Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

Monday, May 06, 2013  Fire Investigators with Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens’ office say that they are investigating a Sunday evening house fire that claimed the lives of a Burke County couple.

Monday, April 22, 2013  According to a press release issued by the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's office, fire investigators have determined that an early morning fire at the St. James Methodist Church in Bleckley County was intentionally set.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013  Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced Tuesday that Smokey, the state arson canine has passed away after a brief illness.

Sunday, December 16, 2012  Arsonists may have torn down the insides of the new Mind of Christ of the Living God Ministries building in Coffee County but the foundation still stands strong, including the congregation.

Monday, December 10, 2012  A Sunday morning fire in Coffee County has Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens offering a $10,000 reward for information.

Monday, December 03, 2012  After Finch Elementary in south Atlanta was evacuated for carbon monoxide, state officials want to try and make it mandatory to have detectors in public places.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012  Updated with video; For FOX 31’s Facebook story of the day people wanted to know what fire hazards they should be aware of when cooking their holiday meal.

Friday, October 19, 2012  Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens presented awards Thursday recognizing winners of the annual “Excellence in Fire Safety” awards, and the winning students of the statewide Fire Safety Poster and Essay contests.

Friday, October 05, 2012  Updated with video; Throughout next week, Commissioner Hudgens, and fire departments around the state, will be spreading the word about fire safety.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012  A Sunday afternoon fire at the Leesburg Publix caused damage nearing $1000.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011  Utility crews continued to work to restore power to thousands of Georgians who lost their electricity, and communities were trying to recover from the storms that killed six people around the state and caused heavy damage.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010  Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine will present awards, recognizing Georgia fire personnel and citizens for outstanding service in fighting fires and saving lives at the annual “Life, Fire & Safety” Awards Luncheon.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010  State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information on the recent fires.

Monday, October 05, 2009  Fire investigators say they found a lighter on the scene and believe one of the boys caused the apartment fire on West 23rd Ave. in Cordele Sunday afternoon.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009  Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine said violent weather that struck Georgia last Friday caused an estimated $100 million in insured losses.