The State Fire Marshal’s Office is looking into an attempted commercial arson in Hart County.
According to officials, the incident occurred just after 4 p.m. on Monday, July 5, at Lee Manufacturing & Engineering Company on Royston Highway in Hartwell. They say incendiary devices were found at two buildings. Both failed to ignite.
“Thankfully, there was no fire damage to either building, and the business was closed for the 4th of July holiday,” says state Safety Fire Commissioner John King. “However, we are still investigating this incident as an arson.”
The State Fire Investigations Unit is working with the Hart County Fire Department and sheriff’s office to find those responsible. Georgia Arson Control is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
This is the second reported commercial arson in Northeast Georgia this week. On the same day as the Hart County attempt, someone set fire to the men’s restroom at LongHorn’s Steakhouse in Cornelia. While there’s no indication the incidents are related, officials are encouraging citizens to report any information they may have regarding these two cases.
Georgia Arson Control is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in either case.
Anyone with information should call the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.
