A house fire that destroyed a residence east of Gainesville Saturday evening was intentionally set, according to authorities.
The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an investigation at the property in the 2300 block of Athens Highway. Investigators and the State Fire Marshal’s Office arson K9 spent two days combing the property. The dog was used to determine if accelerants were present at the scene.
While authorities did not release details of what, if anything, was found, they did say that one man has been taken into custody.
Authorities arrested 55-year-old Stephen Wesley Barfield and charged him with 1st-degree arson.
House fully involved
A 911 caller contacted Hall County Dispatch to report the fire around 6:30 p.m. Saturday. When firefighters arrived, the single-story residence was fully involved, says fire department spokesperson Kimberlie Ledsinger.
One person sustained minor injuries in the fire. Authorities did not release that person’s name.
As of late Monday night, Feb. 5, Barfield remained in the Hall County Jail. Ledsinger says, “No other information about the case can be disclosed at this time.”
