Georgia State Fire Investigators Say Church Blaze Was Arson

State fire investigators say a blaze that destroyed a 50-year-old church in central Georgia over the weekend was arson.

Fire Investigators with Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens’ office said the fire started around 5:30 a.m. Sunday at the St. James Methodist Church in the Bleckley County town of Cochran.

Glenn Allen, a spokesman for Hudgens’ office, said the investigators determine that the fire was started to cover up a burglary.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.

Rewards of up to $10,000 are given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist. Calls are taken 24 hours a day; callers can choose to remain anonymous.

Cochran is about 120 miles southeast of Atlanta.