Rumors of arson have been circulating about the post-game fire at Toomer's Corner, but according to Capt. Tom Stofer of the Auburn police department, no arrests have been made because of a lack of evidence.
"Witnesses said they saw somebody dressed in Georgia clothing either light it on fire or leave the area after they saw it lit on fire, but we don't have much more information to go on at this time," Stofer said.
Lee Lamar, fire chief, said there is no evidence that proves the fire was set intentionally.
"It's really hard to say without having some kind of video or anything else like that--I'd hate to say it was an intentional thing," Lamar said. "There's really no evidence that points us that way."
The fire department responded to three separate calls Sunday.
The first response was at 2 a.m.
"At that point, the crews arrived," Lamar said. "What they found was fire in the tree at Toomer's Corner. They pulled a hose line and extinguished that fire. They were on scene about 13 or 14 minutes at that point."
The fire department returned to Toomer's corner at 2:56 a.m.
"They found some more fire a little bit farther down the street adjacent to I believe one of the other trees," Lamar said. "They were on scene with it for about 10 to 15 minutes and there was some light damage to that tree and then of course to all the debris."
Lamar said firefighters returned at 4:20 a.m. to put out smoldering areas near the trees.
Because of the large amount of flammable material present in the area after a win, a fire is never unlikely, Lamar said.
"This occasionally happens when you have that amount of material down through there," Lamar said. "The opportunity is just pretty wide open."
It is important for people to remember the risk of fire while celebrating, Lamar said.
"We want everybody to have a good time and to enjoy and celebrate, but you know, they need to be cautious, and they need to use some care," Lamar said.
The last time Toomer's Corner caught on fire was after the 2007 Iron Bowl.
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