Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
A Canton man has been arrested and charged with intentionally setting fire to a commercial building in Canton on Christmas Day.
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on December 25, 2025, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) responded to reports of a commercial structure fire on Marietta Road in Canton.
Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the roof and active fire inside the building. Crews quickly deployed hose lines to extinguish the flames while additional firefighters searched the structure for occupants. The fire was rapidly brought under control, and after a thorough search, no one was found inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Cherokee County Fire Investigators worked diligently to investigate the fire. Through their efforts and in close partnership with the Canton Police Department and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Division, a suspect was identified as Blake Louis Bishop. Following further investigation and interviews, Bishop was arrested and charged with:
• 1 Felony count of Arson – 1st Degree (O.C.G.A. §16-7-60)
• 1 Felony count of Criminal Damage to Property – 2nd Degree (O.C.G.A. §16-7-23)
• 1 Misdemeanor count of Loitering and Prowling (O.C.G.A. §16-11-36)
The Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Fire Investigation Team extends its appreciation to the Canton Police Department and the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and collaboration throughout this investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident or other fire-related crimes is encouraged to contact the CCFES Fire Investigation Team at 678-493-4000.
A press release was distributed following the fire on Christmas Day. That release along with incident photos can be found here: https://cherokeecountyfire.org/_common/news-read.php?newsitem=2615