DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Crews were called to extinguish multiple fires at a Decatur church, sparking fear and confusion for many in the community.
Channel 2's Audrey Washington learned that fire investigators believe the church was hit by an arsonist.
The fires were reported around 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Restoration Ministries Church on Mercer Road, just as members were arriving for Bible study.
Fire crews found four separate fires burning on the church’s property.
One fire destroyed a shed, another fire was set at the base of the front doors and two others were set in the wooded area surrounding the church.
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The church's pastor said he has no idea why anyone would target his church.
“It would have to be somebody who knows about this property, because it’s not a property that you’ll just run up on,” said Pastor Perry Scott.
When he was asked if the church had received any threats, Scott said, “No threats.”
DeKalb fire officials said it is a clear case of arson.
“We want to make sure that we do our due diligence and try to figure out as much as we can,” said DeKalb fire Capt. Eric Jackson.
The ATF was called out to the scene, but investigators said they will not get involved because the actual church building was not damaged.
Scott said he will not let the fire discourage him or his church.
"Whoever it is, you can't stop what God had. If you though it would discourage us, it's not going to discourage us," he said.
Cox Media Group
