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Fire Investigation

Arson is the deliberate act of starting a fire. Frequently, arson is due to financial motive (i.e. insurance fraud) or for the thrill a disturbed person experiences from starting and watching a fire. Whatever the motive, arson is a reckless endangerment of life and property. If you have information concerning an arson fire or suspect that a fire is arson related, take the following steps:

1. If there is a fire in your building, evacuate immediately and sound the general fire alarm so others will also know to evacuate.

2. From outside the building, call the University of Georgia Police at (706) 542-2200 or dial 911 to report the fire.  The University of Georgia Police dispatch will immediately contact the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department and all other necessary emergency responders.

3. When you call, please provide the following information:

     a) The name of the building and the specific location of the fire;

     b) Your name and contact information;

     c) Any details you may have regarding the fire and how it started.

4. After the fire has been reported and extinguished, you may also report information to the State of Georgia Arson Tip Hotline:

Arson Control