CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Fire Department investigators did not shared a lot of details about why they consider it an arson, but they told Channel 9 that they are certain.
The Charlotte Fire Department said it took 75 firefighters an hour and 15 minutes to control the fire at Briar Creek Baptist Church.
They still have investigators looking at the area destroyed overnight.
The pastor was with them inspecting the damage.
Investigators said the fire is not being investigated as a hate crime.
The fire was so intense that neighbors were evacuated for a short time.
“We have communication with our churches about the need for security, those kinds of plans,” said Dr. Bob Lowman Jr. with Metrolina Baptist Association.
The damage was estimated at $250,000.
Officials said the fire started in a classroom and spread to other rooms through a breezeway in the back of the church.
One classroom is at a total loss. The sanctuary was not damaged.
Two firefighters suffered heat-related injuries. One was treated at the scene while the other was taken to a local hospital.
The church's congregation is predominantly black, and there are about 100 members.
Church camp was canceled this week but will resume next week at another location, the pastor said.
The church building, which dates back to the 1980s, sustained excessive damage to its education building. The rest of the property, including the sanctuary and gymnasium, has smoke damage.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Family member: Victim in Davidson homicide had 8 children
- 75 firefighters battle 3-alarm blaze at east Charlotte church
- Troopers: Woman using phone causes wreck, killing father
- 'Free hugs' photo of Charleston boy embracing woman warms hearts in tragedy's wake
- Public viewing for Sen. Pinckney at S.C. State House Wednesday
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
