Claxton Fire Destroys Entertainment Complex, State Investigates

ATLANTA – Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that his State Fire Investigations Unit is looking into a fire at the Airport Entertainment Complex in Claxton. The fire occurred on Sunday, December 6, around 2:00 a.m. at the complex off of Highway 301 in Evans County.

The Evans County Fire Department put out the flames on December 6, and Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit was contacted two days after the fire to provide assistance. A witness saw a vehicle parked in front of the building prior to this fire and two other vacant structure fires in Evans County occurred Sunday.

“Unfortunately, we do suspect there was criminal intent involved in this fire,” said Commissioner King. “Entertainment venues across our state have been hit hard by this pandemic, and this fire offered another big blow to the hardworking Georgians living in Claxton. We will work around the clock to make sure this fire is fully investigated, all leads are tracked down, and justice is served.”

Commissioner King’s team will continue working on this case alongside the Evans County Fire Department and Evans County Sheriff’s Office. Local residents with possible leads should contact the State Fire Investigations Hotline at 1-800-656-2298. Callers can remain anonymous on this 24-hour tip line.

###

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.