Police: Arson destroyed Indiana County church
A state police fire marshal has ruled that a Tuesday morning fire that destroyed an Indiana County church was deliberately set.
Firefighters responded to the fire at Harmony Grove Lutheran Church on Five Points Road in Washington Township shortly after 4 a.m.
Flames were reportedly through the roof.
Officials told WPXI-TV that the church was a total loss. There was significant smoke damage inside, and a firefighter suffered a minor injury.
According to fire marshal Tpr. Chet Bell, the fire was incendiary in nature and started in two separate areas — a central point in the basement and the altar area on the first floor.
Police are continuing to investigate the blaze and asked that anyone with information about the church fire or other recent fires in northern Indiana County contact state police at 725-357-1960.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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