State Fire Marshal launches probe after arson blaze destroys home in Madison County

This home in Madison County was destroyed by an arsonist, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office.
This home in Madison County was destroyed by an arsonist, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is trying to identify a man seen at the scene of what investigators described as an arson fire that destroyed a home in Madison County.

The fire occurred about 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 20 at 776 Childers Road in a rural area between Hull and Colbert, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Although no one was at the home, the owners had the house equipped with a camera system they could monitor from their own home, according to sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jeff Vaughn.

A video shows a man jumping off the front porch and going to the back of the house, Vaughn said.

More: Investigators probing suspected arson fire that damaged Athens apartment

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said Monday the house is owned by an Atlanta resident and used as a weekend home. The 2,300-square-foot house was about 20 years old.

The Fire Marshal’s investigator determined the fire was intentionally set, according to Fire Marshal’s spokesman Weston Burleson.

The state investigators would not release how they think the fire was started.

The Hull and Colbert fire departments assisted in fighting the blaze, Burleson said.

A $10,000 reward is being offered. Anyone with information should contact the sheriff’s office at (706) 795-6202 or state fire investigators at (800) 282-5804.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Suspect sought after arson fire destroys Madison County home