Arrest made in Lavonia House Fire

By Lavonia Police Department and Lavonia Fire Department 

An arrest has been made following an investigation into a residential fire that occurred in Lavonia early Sunday morning, February 8, 2026.

At approximately 1:20 a.m., the Lavonia Fire Department, Line Fire Department, and Lavonia Police Department were dispatched to 5155 Vickery Street in reference to a house fire. Officers arrived on scene at 1:22 a.m. and observed the residence fully-involved. Officers reported both occupants had exited the home and they were located at a neighboring residence.

One of the occupants was identified as Christie Dutton, age 51, of Lavonia. Franklin County EMS later transported both occupants to a local hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalation. As a result of the fire, fiber-optic cables along the roadway were damaged due to heat exposure.

Lavonia Fire Department Chief Dawkins stated there had been a prior fire call at the same residence on January 29, 2026, which was extinguished prior to first responders’ arrival. Due to the circumstances surrounding both incidents, the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire was contacted to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire. The Lavonia Police Department assisted by securing the scene during the investigation.

After Lavonia Police Department Investigators spoke with a family member of Christie, she came up to the Police Department. After Christie was interviewed by the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, she was subsequently arrested for Arson in the 1st degree.

This investigation remains ongoing.