Multiple fires have been reported to the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler says the reports were received Saturday afternoon and evening, according to the Newton County Office of Emergency Management on social media.
Multiple fire departments throughout the county have responded.
Sheriff Wheeler says it appears the fires are being purposefully set by one or more people. “We have several firefighters fighting multiple fires at once this evening,” Wheeler said Saturday. “We also have extra law enforcement officers in these areas trying to locate any suspects who might be involved. We have some leads we are following up on. This is a very serious offense and, if we can catch someone setting these fires, they will be prosecuted.”
Wheeler also asks the public to be vigilant and observant.