Authorities say a fire that gutted a DeKalb County daycare center early Tuesday morning has been ruled arson.DECATUR, Ga. -
Authorities say a fire that gutted a DeKalb County daycare center early Tuesday morning has been ruled arson.
The blaze happened at around 1:30 a.m. at Daydreams Early Learning Center on Flakes Mill Road near Flat Shoals Parkway.
"The damage on the inside is extensive. Definitely a total loss," said DeKalb Fire Battalion Chief Christopher Morrison.
DeKalb County authorities say someone set fires throughout the building. It was the second blaze at the center in 24 hours. Early Monday, vandals started a small fire in a staff room and a classroom, and stole some food.
Daycare owner Nikkia Burton reported the center being targeted by thieves earlier this year. The daycare's van and air conditioning units were stolen about six months ago.
While investigators search for the arsonist, insurance industry expert Brandon Lewis and an insurance claims adjustor say they're responding to more suspicious fires at daycare centers.
Lewis says he is not sure why someone may set fire to a daycare center. He says it could be as simple as someone not being allowed to return to school because they may have a past due bill, or it could be an issue with the kids in the school.
A representative from a private agency, Quality Care for Children, was on hand to help parents in a bind to find daycare for their children.
Investigators are now trying to determine who set the fire and why.
