FOLKSTON, Ga. - Despite the arrests of at least nine people suspected of setting arson wildfires in the region the past month, firefighters have been repeatedly called to extinguish suspicious blazes in the region.

Atkinson County Sheriff Herman Tucker said that at least 12 arson fires have been set in his county recently. Early Tuesday morning, Sheriff Tucker said firefighters were battling at least three suspicious wildfires he believes were set intentionally at the same time.

"It's terrible what we're going through," he said. "It could have gotten out of hand. I just hope we can get something done."

A team of arson investigators is looking for clues into the suspicious blazes, and Sheriff Tucker said he will urge the district attorney to prosecute anyone arrested to the full extent of the law.

"They don't realize how dangerous the fires are," he said.

"It's got to be the most serious thing I've dealt with. If we can make an arrest, people will feel a lot better."

Tim White, fire chief in Douglas, said investigators are "seeking leads on anybody" who might have set the fires.

Despite the burn ban and the smoke that has hung over the region for more than a month, Chief White said residents still ask for a burn permit.

"The smoke should give an indication there's a problem," he said.

Chief White said anyone setting a fire in the county, even if it's to burn yard waste, will be prosecuted.

"We're stopping all burning," he said. "What we're telling people now is if you set a fire, we're considering it arson."

Anyone setting a wildfire can be charged with criminal damage to property, a felony, and face one to five years in prison, according to state law. If a home is damaged as a result of a wildfire, a person could face a fine up to $50,000 and face 20 years in prison. If someone dies because of an arson wildfire, the accused would face murder charges.