By Terry Richards

terry.richards@gaflnews.com

 

QUITMAN — Authorities are investigating whether a fire that burned a church in Quitman Wednesday was arson.

Around 6:24 a.m., a fire was reported at the Modern-Day Holiness Church on West Crawford Street, a statement from state Fire Commissioner John F. King said. 

Investigators, with the help of a specialized K9 detection unit, found evidence of possible accelerants — substances used to spread fires — at the scene.

King urged anyone with information on the fire to call the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for arson; callers can remain anonymous.

The commissioner’s office is working with Quitman’s police and fire departments on the investigation.