Floyd County, GA has been hit with a series of wildfires this week, with officials suspecting arson in two separate incidents. The Rome-Floyd County Fire Department, Georgia Forestry units, and more than a dozen firefighting units responded to a wildfire off Highway 411 on Tuesday, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Fire investigator Brenton Whatley stated, "The way they were set made me think they were intentionally set because they were not a continuous burn."
The Sunday fire in the Armuchee area, preceding Tuesday's incident, consumed around 200 acres and threatened up to 40 homes, with 22-year-old Ainsley Sutton admitting to starting the fire, as reported by local authorities. Sutton's mother has informed police of her daughter's mental health issues. Despite extensive damage, including a home's roof and personal property, there were thankfully no injuries reported. "That fire burned approximately 200 acres and endangered 35-40 homes," Jamie Stone, a local resident, told FOX 5 Atlanta.
In a related development, Atlanta News First shared comments from Mike Bell of the Floyd County Police Department, who confirmed the Sunday fires were intentional. "It was intentionally set. As far as, whether there was intent to do as much damage as there was it’s not completely clear - but it was an intentionally set fire," Bell said. Authorities indicate that Sutton is undergoing a mental health evaluation at a hospital and has not been taken into custody as of yet.
Flames broke out again on Tuesday afternoon, with fires reported near Cartersville Hwy, leading Rome-Floyd County Fire Chief Troy Brock to believe that these fires were also intentionally set. "Unfortunately, somebody willing to be malicious is hard to prevent," Brock said in a statement reported by Atlanta News First. Current conditions, including high winds and low humidity, have prompted the local fire department to discourage all burning. Brock advises the community to be mindful of weather forecasts before considering any burning of brush at their homes.
While the Sunday and Tuesday fires are not believed to be connected, investigations continue for both incidents. Officials seek the public's help regarding the Tuesday fire. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department or Floyd County Police.
