Columbia County Hotel Fire Ruled Arson

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King’s State Fire Investigations Unit announced today that a Columbia County fire has been ruled an arson. The fire occurred on Wednesday, October 21, at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Prior to the fire, a male was seen walking into the restroom at a Holiday Inn at 441 Park W Drive in Augusta. The man then returned to the lobby, tried to open the cash register, and left the Holiday Inn. Shortly after leaving, the fire alarm went off and Holiday Inn staff discovered the restroom had been set on fire.

“The Columbia-Martinez Fire Department responded to an extinguished fire in the hotel restroom and reported it to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office,” said Commissioner King. “From there, our office was asked to investigate the fire, and my investigator determined that the fire was intentionally set.”

A person of interest has been taken into custody by local officials in connection with this fire, but state and local investigators are not releasing the identity at this time.

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The mission of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.