MORROW, Ga. — Three teenagers are facing charges in connection to intentionally burning down three historic homes in Morrow.
Last Friday, the homes went up in flames on Southlake Circle in "The District."
A joint investigation conducted by the Morrow Police Department, Morrow Fire Department, Georgia Insurance Fire and Safety Commissioner’s Fire Investigation Unit, and the Atlanta office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) ruled the cause of the fire to be arson, authorities said.
“It doesn't matter what color you are. It doesn't matter what denomination you are. It doesn't matter what faith you hold. I think we can all agree that people don't need to be coming into a city and burning down houses," Morrow Police Lt. W.E. Skelton said.
Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set in one of the three houses, and it spread to the other nearby homes. All three buildings were a total loss.
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Two 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy were arrested at their Clayton County homes and are being held at a Regional Youth Detention Center, Morrow Police said.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John King and his Fire Investigation Unit, and for the assistance of the ATF,” Morrow Fire Chief Roger Swint said. “Their close collaboration allowed us to quickly confirm the cause of the fire and narrow the focus of the criminal investigation.”
Morrow Mayor John Lampl at the time said he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw pictures and a video of three homes fully engulfed in flames. He's now thankful for the closure in the case.
"The tremendous grief suffered by our community since Saturday can be somewhat resolved with the knowledge that the suspects, in this case, have been identified and apprehended," Lampl said. "I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of Morrow Police detectives and fire investigators to close this case and begin the process of healing our community.”
City officials said one of the homes dated back to the 1800s. The age of the homes contributed to the fire spreading so quickly, the fire chief said.
“The wood was very dry, and the walls so did not have sheetrock on them. The wooden members were not protected by any means, so the fire spread very rapidly. We also had wind that was contributing to the fire spread," Swint said.
Investigators said two 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old set one house on fire, causing it to spread to others.
“We were able to collaborate and came together on a neighborhood canvass of the area behind the district. Through that canvass we made, we were able to receive several tips that led us in the right direction," Skelton said.
“That’s a historic building. That’s history," Treyvel Scott said.
What's even more disturbing for people like Scott is hearing that police arrested three teenagers accused of setting it. Scott works at the nearby Southlake Mall.
“I could see if it was someone older, but these are kids like my age," Scott said. "I’m only 18. It’s very sad because they’re so young.”
All three buildings are totally lost; however, the city said it plans to rebuild them.
“This destruction behind me is indicative of a bigger issue. We need to come together as a community and rebuild The District," Skelton said.
A community prayer vigil is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. in The District at 1065 Olde Towne Morrow Road.
They said the city is committed to rebuilding the burned buildings and resuming progress in The District.