Reedley church burglarized, damaged by arson fire

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Sunday, August 28, 2016
Reedley church burglarized, damaged by arson fire
Fire crews said a thief stole tools and a computer from the church before somehow setting a small maintenance room on fire. The flames spread into the chapel but firefighters were able to stop it from spreading to the second floor.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Investigators in Reedley are searching for a suspect who burglarized a 110-year-old church and then set it on fire.

The fire happened just before 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning at Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church.

Fire crews said a thief stole tools and a computer from the church before somehow setting a small maintenance room on fire. The flames spread into the chapel but firefighters were able to stop it from spreading to the second floor.

The pastor of the church says the chapel is badly damaged and there is extensive smoke damage to the upstairs.

Despite all that, they are still holding services on Sunday.