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Dalton Investigators Seek Arsonists, Neighbors on Alert

207 views · Published 13 August 2012 · 0:30 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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Photo Courtesy of: Ricardo Collazoby Alyssa SpiratoA Dalton home goes up in flames, and now, officials are looking for who's responsible for intentionally setting it. The fire happened around 3:15 Monday morning at 1120 Ridgeleigh Circle. Just days into the investigation, officials released the cause as arson.And as they continue Sunday to search for the suspect or suspects, it's leaving many residents scared, and on high alert."The fire was shooting up almost to the top of the tree lines for a while," says nearby resident, Ricardo Collazo.It was a sight that woke Collazo and his family early that morning. He tells NewsChannel9 he couldn't believe what he saw."I was concerned that there might be people in the house, and afterwards, we were concerned that the fire was gonna start in the trees and burn our home down too," says Collazo.Collazo's son Alvin says the blaring sirens and smell of smoke woke him up.  When he stepped outside and realized what was going on right across the street, all he could do was stare in disbelief."It was a little surreal. They had about like eight fire trucks on this road, cops blocking everyone's driveways, it was just very surreal," says Alvin Taylor.A fire that officials say, someone set intentionally."When you go in there and investigate, you have different areas, the fire burned quicker than what it should have," says Dalton Fire Department's Battalion Chief, Todd Pangle.Hearing the news of arson, it's leaving the question of why in many neighbors minds.It's also leaving residents like Collazo paranoid, and on high alert."We've been staying up late, watching up and down the street, making sure that anyone coming around we could see them and that we could identify the vehicle," says Collazo."I am extremely paranoid, extremely. I stay up late, always on the watch," says Taylor.Todd Pangle says the homeowners were out of town when the fire happened. He also says the home is approximately a 60 to 75 percent loss.Anyone with information can contact the Dalton Fire Department at (706) 278-7363

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