CLARKSTON, GA — A DeKalb County man is in custody today following a terrifying string of arsons that threatened a local mosque and several apartment complexes. The intentional fires come at a time when Georgia is facing some of the most dangerous environmental conditions in its history, with nearly the entire state locked in a severe drought.
A Night of ‘Rapid Succession’ Blazes
The chaos began late Sunday night, around 10:50 p.m., when firefighters were called to a brush fire on Memorial College Avenue, near Georgia State University’s Perimeter College Clarkston Campus.
As crews worked to douse the first flames, more reports began flooding in. According to DeKalb County officials, as many as 15 separate fires were set in “rapid succession.” Firefighters were forced to spread out across the area to prevent the individual blazes from merging into a massive firestorm.
Close Calls for Local Landmark
One of the largest fires came dangerously close to Masjid Al-Momineen Mosque and nearby residential apartment buildings. Given the current weather conditions, fire officials noted that the situation was a “powder keg” that could have resulted in mass casualties.
“When you have such dry weather as we’ve had and obviously wind conditions as well, all of these fires can move pretty fast,” Interim Fire Chief Melvin Carter said during a news conference.
Fortunately, through the tireless work of fire crews who remained on the scene until 4:30 a.m. Monday, all fires were contained. Officials confirmed there were no serious injuries and no major structural damage was reported.
The Arrest: Suspect Identified via Video
The investigation quickly turned to arson as the pattern of the fires suggested a deliberate act. Using local video footage, police identified a suspect and took him into custody.
The man, identified as 37-year-old Wasim Majeed, was allegedly found with “items consistent with setting fires” at the time of his arrest. Majeed remains in custody as investigators work to determine a motive for the spree.
The Drought Crisis: A State on Edge
The arson spree highlights a much larger crisis facing the state. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), 98% of Georgia is currently under severe drought conditions or worse.
The situation in Atlanta is particularly dire:
- Exceptional Drought: Approximately one-fifth of the state has reached the “exceptional” level, the highest and most dangerous drought designation possible.
- Rainfall Deficit: For Atlanta to return to “normal” water levels, the city would need more than 10 inches of rain in a single month—a feat that would break all-time weather records.
These bone-dry conditions have turned much of the state into a tinderbox. Massive wildfires are already tearing through southern Georgia and northern Florida, and officials warn that even a single spark—intentional or accidental—could trigger a catastrophe.
DeKalb County Neighbors: How concerned are you about the current drought conditions? Does your neighborhood have enough fire safety measures in place?
Share your thoughts and stay updated by following this story in the comments below.
