Church fire
WILLS POINT, Texas — Another church fire in Texas has pastors and congregations on edge.
The eighth fire happened Thursday morning at Russell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wills Point in Van Zandt County.
Investigators said someone broke into the building after choir practice Wednesday night. The flames destroyed the sanctuary, with damage estimated at close to $1 million.
It was unclear if this was a case of arson, but federal investigators labeled the fire as "suspicious."
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms national response team is now investigating this and seven other Texas church fires since Januray 1, including three near Athens, two near Tyler, and fires in Lindale and Temple.
Agents are trying to determine if there are any links out if all those fires are linked.
Russell Memorial church members are planning to hold weekend services in their recreation building.
E-mail ccivale@wfaa.com
