Arsonists sought in fire bombing of 5 East Texas churches
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Arsonists sought in fire bombing of 5 East Texas churches*
AP
ATHENS, Texas � Officials say arson is suspected in five east Texas
church fires since the beginning of the year. Three have been in one
town and two came in one night this week.
Suspected arson fires devastated two churches Monday night in Athens,
about 65 miles southeast of Dallas. Athens Fire Chief John McQueary said
Tuesday that multiple ignition points were found in both the Lake Athens
Baptist Church and the Grace Community Church.
Arson also is suspected in a fire that decimated the Faith Church in
Athens last week.
Fires also have destroyed the Little Hope Baptist Church in Canton and
struck a church in Martin's Mill since Jan. 1. Both are within 25 miles
or less of Athens.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the
state fire marshal's office are helping with the investigation.