Piney Woods Baptist fire ruled arson

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Investigators with the Chattanooga Fire Department have ruled the Sept. 2 fire at Piney Woods Baptist Church arson.

The church on 52nd Street in Chattanooga lost an estimated $150,000 in damage to the building and its contents.

No one was injured in the fire.

“The fire investigator is quite confident that this was arson. The investigation is ongoing, and that’s why we’re asking for help though in getting some additional details in helping us make an arrest,” Chattanooga Fire spokesman Bruce Garner said.

The Piney Woods Baptist congregation is now meeting at New Horizon Baptist on 27th Street.

One neighbor said she hopes they fix the building soon. She and her two small kids can’t travel to the new site.

Other neighbors tell News 12 that investigators and insurance agents have been on site the last ten days assessing the damage.

Chattanooga Fire needs the public’s help in gaining more information on the incident. Anyone who might know anything about the cause of the fire is urged to call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.

An up to $5,000 cash reward is being offered for anyone with information that leads to an arrest.