Dog Dies, Arson Suspect Arrested After Cherokee Blaze Burns Home

CANTON, GA — Investigators have arrested a man in connection with a house fire that killed a dog Monday in Cherokee County, fire officials said.

The large blaze sparked around 1 a.m. in the 7500 block of Bells Ferry Road, according to Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

First responders arrived to find a house fully engulfed in flames, the department said.

While the homeowner was able to escape without injury, fire officials said a dog did not make it out of the burning home.

Fire investigators have arrested Jackie Ingram and charged him with first-degree arson, they said. Cherokee County Jail records showed Ingram is being held without bond.

It is unknown how the fire was caused. It is the third structure fire crews have responded to in 24 hours.

A fire erupted around 5:45 p.m. Sunday near Old Orange Mill Road, between Macedonia and Free Home, fire officials said.

Before then, both county and Woodstock firefighters responded to a blaze, fire officials said.

The cause of these fires is also unknown. Fire officials say they were not related.

"We say it all the time, and it is important - check your smoke detectors regularly and have a home escape plan," fire officials said in a news release.