VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) -
Investigators in Valdosta are looking for an arsonist tonight, who set a fire that destroyed a house yesterday.
A suspicious early morning fire heavily damaged this home on Troupe Street yesterday. Willie Gosier and James Debro were awake at the time and got out safely. Valdosta investigators believe someone else may have set the fire.
"We had extensive interviews with both of them and our general feeling, and this is not only myself but some police officers that are trained detectives, and we've sort of ruled them out as doing anything intentional," said Capt. John Wisenbaker with the Valdosta Fire Department.
Wisenbaker says investigators found a flammable liquid that may have sparked the fire. But the resident's say they don't know who would have a motive.
"That's one thing we're looking for someone who might have a motive, and that's something we've questioned them about but really they haven't indicated anybody they know that has a motive," said Wisenbaker.
Two rooms have been completely destroyed and fire officials estimate there's nearly $15,000 in damages.
One man says his mother lives next door and he's worried that if it is arson it could happen to her home too.
"I know I have to stay on my p's and q's and really check on mom all the time," said Alvin Cotton.
Sharlene Cowart lives next door and she says neighbors are already speculating.
"They told me it was arson but I don't know, people are speculating about this and that and the other but I really don't know," said Cowart.
Wisenbaker says the home was insured and an insurance team will also help determine the cause of the fire. Until then fire officials are waiting for the test results to find out for sure if a flammable liquid was used.
The Red Cross in Valdosta is providing temporary shelter for the two men. If you have any information that could help investigators, you're asked to call the Valdosta Fire Department at 229-333-1835.
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