A Gainesville man has been charged with arson in a Feb. 5 fire that heavily damaged a home in the 2800 block of Gillsville Highway in East Hall County.

Anthony Lamar Thirkield, 28, is accused of intentionally setting the fire, which occurred while his family was in the home, Hall County Fire Services Capt. Zachary Brackett said,

When crews arrived, heavy smoke was showing from the home. All occupants were outside and appeared to have escaped safely, authorities said at the time.

Thirkield was arrested Saturday and was being held Monday on $11,200 bond at the Hall County Jail.