Fire marshal: South Georgia church blaze was arson

METTER, Ga. (AP) -- The state fire marshal's office says a fire at a south Georgia church was arson.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said the fire happened around 5 p.m. Friday at the Metter Presbyterian Church in Candler County.

Hudgens said the church sustained heavy smoke and water damage.

Authorities are asking that anyone with information about the fire call the state's arson hotline at 1-800-282-5804. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of a suspect.