Woods arson is a serious problem in Polk and local forestry officials are working

to reduce the numbers, according to Chief Ranger Denise L. Croker, Polk County Unit, Georgia Forestry Commission.

"We have been running non stop since last Friday," she said.

"Many of the fires have one thing common – the area near the Silver Comet Trail."

Since Feb. 5, forestry personnel and staff from Polk County’s fire department have responded to 19 fires that burned a total of about 82 acres.

Of these, 12 were on or near the silver Comet Trail. Seven were in the county.

Since March 1, 9 fires have been reported with about 118 acres burned. Of these, one was started by machinery and 8 are believed to be arson.

A number of fires in March have occurred between Grady Road and Rolling Hills

Subdivision near Cedartown.

Station 7 and the forestry unit esponded to a call around 3 p.m. Monday. Two

separate fires on Coaling Road burned about 40 acres. Both calls came in about the same time, according to Croker.

On Monday, five sets occurred off Drummond Road in the Lake Creek area. Firefighters responded, including Station 9, to the alarm. A total of 57 acres were burned – ranging from 45 to 4 acres.

Station 6 (Fish Creek) and the forestry unit responded to a call on Collard Valley Road. Structures were threatened before the blaze was extinguished but no damage was reported.

Determining an arson set is, in part, a process of elimination and history of areas where fires are occurring. Popular sites, from past reports, point to Drummond Road, Elders Lake, near

the Polk County Airport and the Silver Comet Trail.

"If we can’t find evidence, then we begin to consider other probable causes such as a lightning strike," Croker said.

She urged anyone along the Silver Comet Trail or elsewhere in Polk to report any

suspicious activity to the Polk County Police Department or the local forestry unit.

"There is a reward – up to $10,000 – for conviction of arson," she added.

Georgia’s arson tip hotline is 1-800-282-5804.