Authorities: Arsonist Burned Down California Church

Authorities say arson was behind a fire that destroyed a Catholic church in Southern California.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s spokesman Michael Parker said investigators are working to identify a suspect in the Saturday blaze at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Hacienda Heights.

County fire officials say the fire was started shortly after midnight Saturday morning and burned for about 2 1/2 hours. About 100 firefighters used a “surround and drown” approach to put it out because it was too dangerous to enter the church. Damages are estimated at about $8 million.

A priest had to flee from the building after the fire started. He was treated at the scene for injuries not considered serious.

Authorities did not say what evidence led them to conclude an arsonist started the fire.