Fire department investigating 'suspicious' blaze at mosque

DALTON - Fire officials are investigating a ``suspicious'' blaze that destroyed a vacant home on the property of a mosque in Dalton.

Graffiti with expletives was found inside the burned out three-bedroom brick house that sits on the same land as the future home of the Dalton Islamic Center, said Whitfield County Fire Chief Carl Collins. Construction on the center began in early December despite opposition from local residents concerned that the mosque would cause traffic problems in the neighborhood.

Mosque president Hammad El-Ameen said he believes someone is trying to send the mosque ``a message.'' The group had no problems until construction began on the new facility in December, just a few weeks before the blaze, he said.

About 80 people currently attend services at a smaller facility, El-Ameen said.

The fire occurred Christmas morning.