Police investigating possible arsonist activity in LaFayette

LaFayette police say an arsonist may be active in the area after two suspicious fires occurred in May at abandoned residences, Capt. Stacey Meeks said.

According to police reports, on Friday, May 26, at about 1:30 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 211 Villanow Street at Shaw Street, an abandoned home beside the LaFayette Cemetery’s entrance.

When firefighters arrived, the house was already covered in flames.

Footprints were discovered behind the residence, one officer reported. They were visible in the wet grass due to recent rains.

Another officer reported blue flames and the smell of gasoline were prevalent behind the residence.

Blue flames indicate an accelerant was used, Meeks said.

Arson had already been determined to be the cause of a fire on May 3, at about 1 a.m., at an abandoned house at 304 Simmons St.

The state fire marshal investigated the fire and deemed it arson based on accelerants having been used.

Meeks said firefighters discovered two points of origin — one on each level — at the two-story structure.

Meeks said the residence has been vacant for quite some time, with the owner living out of state and no electricity running in the home.

Both structrues were total losses.

It has been years since LaFayette police have investigated a serial arsonist in the area, Meeks said, adding that LaFayette police investigated a string of residential arson fires a few years ago.

He said it is worrisome to see two arson fires so close together. Both fires occurred around 1 a.m.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity near these two fires should contact the LaFayette Police Department at 706-639-1540. Also, anyone who sees suspicious activity near vacant structures in their neighborhoods is encouraged to call Walker County 911.