Fire officials alarmed about string of east Georgia blazes

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - Augusta fire officials are raising concerns about a series of fires at abandoned properties.

The blazes near Old Savannah Road began late last year and have continued in 2020, The Augusta Chronicle reported.

There have been five fires since Dec. 7 at abandoned properties in a one-block radius of Old Savannah Road and Sherman Street, officials said.

Authorities are concerned about the frequency and proximity of the fires, Fire Chief Christopher James said.

Officials don’t know of an exact cause for the fires, he said.