Local

Fire that destroyed five homes, damaged others ruled as arson

A spokesperson for the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Office told Channel 2 Action News the fire that destroyed five homes and damaged multiple others in Paulding County has been ruled as arson.

Channel 2 Action News has also learned a person of interest is in custody.

Neighbor Gwen Davis told Channel 2's Matt Johnson she cannot believe the destruction left behind.

"I just feel sorry for the family that lost their homes, and all of them had insurance so they would be able to find some place to stay," she said.

We're talking to investigators about the person of interest for a live report on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.

TRENDING STORIES:

Paulding County fire officials said the fires happened early Sunday morning. They happened in the area of Rosemont Court in the Greystone subdivision.

Firefighters said they worked as fast as they could to get the fire under control in dangerous circumstances.

"With the houses being so close together it makes it difficult to conduct fire fighting operations especially when we arrive on the scene and find very intense fire conditions," said Lt. Steve Mapes with the Paulding County Fire Department.

The Red Cross is working with the displaced families to find temporary shelter.