The City of Vidalia Fire Department responded to a fire Thursday afternoon in that is believed to be arson. It is the third suspicious fire within a month.

Just after noon Thursday, Vidalia Fire and Vidalia Police were called to 903 Vann Street in reference to a structure fire. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the residence has been abandoned for several years. The previous two arson fires were also set ablaze in homes that were unoccupied at the time.

"Evidence supports that someone was on the property thatdidn't elong there," Vidalia Fire Chief Brian Sikes said. "We know the fire started in the attic, and the house is a complete loss."

Toombs-Montgomery County EMS and the Lyons Fire Department lent mutual aid in getting Thursday's fire under control.

In addition to the local fire and police departments, Thursday fire is being investigated by the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety. If you have an information on this incident, contact the Vidalia Fire Department at 912-537-4123 or the State Fire Marshal’s Investigation Unit at 404-656-0533.A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by the Georgia Arson Control Board for information. That toll-free number is 1-800-282-5804.

Chief Sikes is encouraging residents of Vidalia to be vigilant, noting, "If you have an abandoned house, keep your eyes open for suspicious activity. Also, be aware of other abandoned houses and report anything that doesn't seem right."