Police suspect illegal use or the manufacture of meth may have caused the Feb. 7 fire of a vacant house on Hunter Street.

Rockmart Police Chief Larry Harris confirmed last week that evidence sent to the State Crime Laboratory is to be tested for the presence of crystallized methamphetamine, or meth. While the testing may not be completed for several months, Harris said investigators found and seized devices and substances that are commonly associated with meth.

If meth production is verified, this would be Rockmart’s first incidence of a confirmed methamphetamine lab resulting in a fire.

Officials worry it is going to become more and more common.

“We’re concerned that we could have something like this going on in a residential neighborhood,” Rockmart Fire Chief Todd Queen said. “We’re going to see more of this.”

The fire, which damaged a vacant house at 503 Hunter St., is believed to have started in the kitchen. Police suspect someone was “cooking” meth and the burner or heating device got out of control.

Under a Georgia statute pertaining to meth labs, two people are now charged with first degree arson in connection with the fire.

“There was a law change by the state Legislature due to the proliferation of meth and other drugs,” Harris explained. “If you have a lab in a house and it results in a fire, it’s automatically an arson.”

Charged with arson are Lamon Steve Hooper, 52, 905 Forrest Ave., and Belinda Hutcheson, 45, 280 Laurens Road. Both are also charged with attempting to manufacture a controlled substance.

Hooper was earlier charged with criminal trespass. Hutcheson was sought by police for more than a week in connection with the fire and was arrested early last week. She also faced a criminal trespass charge.

Police believe Hooper and Hutcheson had illegally set up residence at the Hunter Street property. The owner of the onetime rental house was unaware that anyone was “squatting” on his property, according to police.

Harris said this incident should serve as a warning to owners of rental houses and other property.

“If you’ve got rental property you need to check on it as often as you can,” Harris said. “That’s also true of any vacant building.”

Harris said drug activity has also been linked to the old Rockmart High School campus. Police are keeping an eye on all known past and potential drug “hangouts,” but drug users and meth cooks can turn up just about anywhere, he said.

A third person arrested in connection with the fire is charged simply with criminal trespass and obstruction of officers.

Roy Lee Hindmon, 58, is listed as having a permanent address of 426 Dogwood Trail, Dallas. However, police believe he was staying at least part of the time in the house on Hunter Street.

Harris said police encountered Hindmon after the fire, at which time he requested permission to enter the property to remove some personal belongings. However, his request was denied because the house was designated as a crime scene. The house was marked off with police “do not enter” tape and Hindmon was warned to stay out, Harris said.

Police believe Hindmon entered the property after being warned not to.