The State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire at a local church as arson and a neighbor believes whoever set it was motivated by race.
The Flaming Fire Deliverance Ministries Church in the Biltmore neighborhood caught fire around 7:20 on Sunday.
Melted Vinyl and charred door frames are all that’s left of the church on Old Kings Road.
”There was about 15 JSO officers that blocked off Edgewood and about five or six JFRD fire trucks,” said Sandy Bellville.
Bellville lives near the church and saw the commotion.
“I saw all of the damage from the burning of the church,” said Bellville.
The church was vacant and the power was turned off months ago, according to officials.
‘Do Not Enter’ and ‘Condemned’ signs sit on the front of the building as the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigates.
Bellville said she believes she knows what happened.
"I was told it was racially motivated," said Bellville. "With the things going on in the nation and world, it doesn’t surprise me."
The police report says officers questioned a man on the scene about the fire.
He claimed he didn’t start the fire and was upset that someone did.
Neighbors believe anyone that would burn down a church is full of hate.
“If there’s arson involved, that means there is a personal vendetta,” said Bellville. “That’s not the first time that a church has been burnt, in the last 10 years in that area.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is offering a reward for tips. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Arson Hot Line at 1-877-662-7766.
Trending on ActionNewsJax.com: