Savannah church fire investigated as possible arson

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) Savannah fire officials say a blaze that damaged a church is being investigated as a possible arson.

Savannah Fire and Emergency Services spokesman Mark Keller said in a statement that authorities were called to a fire early Friday morning at the First New Afrikan Methodist Christian Church.

Keller says crews were able to prevent flames from gutting the inside of the church, but the blaze damaged the church's rear outside wall.

Keller says it appears that the fire was set intentionally and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives is helping in the investigation.