$10,000 Reward Offered in Elbert County House Explosion Investigation

State Fire Investigators have ruled the explosion arson

In Elbert County, a $10,000 reward is being offered by the Georgia State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner for information leading to the arrest those responsible for a house explosion.

Fire Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are assisting the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and the Elbert County Fire Department with this investigation.

Investigators have determined the explosion that occurred around 3a last Thursday morning was caused by an individual attempting to set the house on fire.

Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King tells WLHR News the 1,320 square-foot, 19-year-old residence was completely destroyed by the explosion and ensuing fire.

King said further examination of the structure determined that the explosion was caused by an air-fuel mixture, which then lit the residence on fire, completely destroying it.

According to Fox Carolina, the home was owned by Rodney Gilmer, a flight paramedic from Anderson County who was shot in killed in Anderson County last year during a domestic dispute.

That investigation is still ongoing and no arrests have been made.

The TV station reports an outbuilding near the Elbert County house explosion was spray painted with the message, “2/ 18 Justice for Rodney.”

King is asking anyone with knowledge about this fire to call the Fire Investigations Unit at 1‐800‐282‐5804.

Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s).

Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous.