A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for a suspicious fire June 12 at a vacant building.

"We're looking at this as a set fire," said Dawson County Emergency Services Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Tim Satterfield.

According to Satterfield, fire officials detected a "strong odor of flammable liquids in the back of the structure" at 4191 Hwy. 53 East.

The 1,750-square-foot building was engulfed in flames venting through the ceiling when firefighters arrived about 2 a.m.

No one was inside at the time and no one was injured battling the blaze, which shut down the highway and required assistance from Forsyth County fire units.

According to Dawson County tax records, the building was bought following foreclosure by Georgia Trailer and Equipment Inc. on May 23.

The incident report lists Seth Brodsky of Canton as owner.

Brodsky referred comment on the fire to his attorney, Rafe Banks.

Banks confirmed he represents Brodsky, but declined to talk about the matter.
Satterfield said the property, which showed no signs of forced entry, is insured.

An insurance investigator has also determined the fire was set, according to Satterfield.

"The day after the fire, the insurance company sent out their investigator to take samples. The samples came back positive for gasoline inside the house where the fire started," he said.

The fire remains under investigation by the marshal's office and the Dawson County Sheriff's Office.

"We're hoping the public comes forward with some information. We have no leads at this time," Satterfield said.