Church fire ruled arson by investigators

FOLKSTON - A fire that caused $50,000 in damage to a predominantly black church earlier this week has been ruled an arson by state fire investigators. <br> <br> Wednesday&#39;s blaze was contained to the front quarter of the church. It charred pews, tables and speakers and scorched the outside walls of the two-story structure. Authorities said the building was unoccupied when the fire was reported and there were no reported injuries. <br> <br> Investigators also have determined that a Feb. 1 fire at the Greater Saint Peter&#39;s United Assembly of God Holiness Church was intentionally set. David Kirton, the Folkston fire chief, said that fire burned itself out and originally was not reported to authorities. <br> <br> Wayne Whitaker, a spokesman for the state insurance commissioner&#39;s office, said there is no indication at this time that either fire is a hate crime.