Officials investigating ‘suspicious fire’

A blaze that totaled a business Saturday was called a “suspicious fire” by Dublin’s fire chief as local and state officials continued their investigation. 

Fire Chief Matthew Cutler said interviews concerning the blaze at Middle Georgia Truck Parts were expected to be held Monday. Around 12:18 a.m. Saturday, April 11, firefighters received a call about a structure fire that was reported to have been off the U.S. 441 Bypass near Firetower Road. As fire trucks were responding, they received another call about a fire at 2110 Academy Avenue Extension. The fire alarm system at the business notified the alarm company there was a fire there.

“They figured out quickly that the first call was the same place as the structure fire,” Cutler said. “When they arrived they had heavy smoke and fire showing from outside of the building.”

No one was in the building when firefighters arrived. They set up their ladder truck because the fire had already broken through the roof. The goal was to knock it down so that firefighter could get inside and put out the rest of the fire.

Cutler said the building has been a lot of different businesses throughout the years. Many people remember it as the John Deere place and the New Holland Tractor plant. At some point it was TNT Truck Parts. The sign outside the business shows it is now Middle Georgia Truck Parts.

“From what I was told, there were some renovations going on at the building,” Cutler said. “Once our local investigators were able to get in there and start its investigation, it was clear that something happened there that caused that fire that was not accidental in nature.”

Because of this, the state fire marshal’s office was notified. Evidence was gathered and photos were made of the scene.

“We did receive automatic aid from the Laurens County Fire Department, which was greatly appreciated,” Cutler said. “That is one of the areas where the county actually comes into the city and assists us just like we would respond into the county to assist them. We appreciate their assistance. We definitely needed help on this one especially with the size of building that it was. The building appears to be a total loss.”

Laurens County EMS was on the scene and set up a rehab station to help with hydration. Cutler said none of the firefighters were injured. Law enforcement officials directed traffic in and out of the scene.

“We hope to have further information later this week,” Cutler said. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office is going to meet with me and get me up to speed.” 

Anyone with information on this case can call Cutler at (478) 277-5032, the Dublin Police Department at (478) 277-5023 or the Georgia Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.

“Those who call the hotline with a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction, may actually receive a reward,” Cutler said. “Make a report of what you know and they may be able to receive up to $10,000. I believe people in Laurens County received money for tips not too long ago. The information received, no matter how small they think it may be,  is helpful.”