Press Releases

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that one person was killed in a Columbia County fire. The fire occurred at the Pilot Gas Station located at Jimmy Dyess Parkway in Grovetown around 2:57 a.m. on Monday, March 29. The fire completely engulfed a van in the parking lot.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Rodney Jerome Thornton and Andre Jones were charged with violating Laws and Regulations pertaining to the Proper and Safe Installation of Fire Suppression Equipment as prescribed by Title 25. The two individuals in question were paid to do work at a minority owned business located at 15 Everett Springs Road in Rome.

In the early hours of Friday, March 26, severe storms, including at least one tornado, touched down in Newnan and parts of Coweta County, causing significant damage and leading to at least one fatality. Many were left without power as of Friday morning due to downed trees and power lines across the area.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a Crisp County structure fire has been ruled an act of arson. The fire occurred at 1108 N Joe Wright Dr. in Cordele at 11:47 p.m. on Monday, March 8. The single-story, 828-square-foot structure was approximately 61 years old.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Nikishia Young, 49, for two counts of Insurance Fraud, one count of Identity Fraud, and three counts of Forgery in the 1st Degree. Ms. Young is wanted in connection with a Gwinnett County case. 

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Billy Walsh, 29, and Joshua Evans, 29, were charged with Arson in the 1st Degree and Insurance Fraud in connection with a Telfair County Fire that occurred at 10:20 p.m. on Sunday, March 14.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a minor was arrested on 1st Degree Arson charges in connection with two Thomas County fires set at a single residence. The respective fires occurred on January 29 and February 22 of this year. The single-story home is located at 106 Acorn Lane in Thomasville.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that Rodderick Lamar Christopher, 37, has been charged with 1st Degree Arson in connection with a Thomas County residential fire. The fire occurred at 1120 Church Street in Barwick at 10:45 pm on Sunday, March 7. The single-wide mobile home was occupied at the time of the fire.     

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a 14-year-old juvenile has been taken into custody and charged with Homicide and Arson of a Vehicle. Our investigators were called to the Thomas County scene at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. 

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that two residential fires in Banks County were intentionally set and have been ruled an act of arson. The fires occurred at 783 McDonald Circle in Commerce at 7:55 p.m. on Thursday, March 11. The residence is a 57-year-old single-wide mobile home.