Arson Investigators Probe Series of Fires at Local Church

REDLANDS>> Investigators from the Redlands Fire Department and from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating multiple small fires that were set at First Baptist Church at the intersection of Olive Avenue and Cajon Street. The fires had burned out before they were discovered on Wednesday, Dec. 7, and were most likely set between 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. There were at least 10 attempts to ignite fires in multiple areas along the exterior of the church. In five of the instances there was ignition of fixtures or parts of the structure. Investigators collected evidence at the scene which will be processed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Crime Lab. Investigators are also reviewing video from surveillance cameras in the area in an effort to identify anyone who was in the area at the time of the fires. Damage to the church is estimated at $2,000. There we no injuries reported. Investigators are looking for information on people or vehicles that may have been in the area at the time of the fires. Anyone with information about the fires can contact the Redlands Fire Department Investigation Unit at (909) 798-7693 or We-Tip at (800) 782-7463 or (800) 78CRIME.