CONCORD — Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine announced Tuesday morning that the Sunday night fire that destroyed the 560 Caldwell Bridge Road home where 60-year-old Jimmie Burousas was slain July 1 has been ruled a case of arson.

“This is obviously a very unique case. You have the murder, the home of the suspect burning down and her (murder suspect Teresa Burousas) father as the county commission chairman,” Oxendine said. “We are only investigating the fire, though, and we are ruling it as arson.”

When asked if any physical evidence such as an accelerant was located at the scene of the fire, Oxendine said investigators are not yet releasing specific information on that subject.

“At this point, we don’t want to say how we know it’s arson. The reason for this is that it’s going to be tried by the district attorney and it’s going to be an emotionally charged case already,” he said. “I can say that from evidence at the scene, it has been ruled an arson.”

Due to what Oxendine described as the uniqueness of this incident, he also was unable to say if he believes the alleged arson was committed in an attempt to tamper with evidence related to the slaying of Jimmie Burousas.

“We are considering all possibilities. Obviously, it’s very interesting, considering the other case,” he said.

Oxendine went on to say that there have been no suspects named, explaining that to do so would be “premature.”

“We are working very closely with Sheriff Jimmy Thomas as well as the fire chief (Pike County Fire Department Chief Danny Henderson). It’s an ongoing process,” he said.

Oxendine requested that anyone who has information about this case call the Arson Hotline at 800-282-5804. He said the hot line is available 24 hours a day, callers may remain anonymous and that rewards of up to $10,000 may be given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist.