Arson Suspected In Van Nuys Church Fire
VAN NUYS (CBSLA.com) — A fire at a Van Nuys church was under investigation Wednesday, authorities said.
Los Angeles Fire Department crews were called to St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 17251 W. Sherman Way, at 12:24 a.m., according to LAFD spokesman Erik Scott.
KNX 1070's Megan Goldsby reports while the church itself was relatively unharmed, but an office and classrooms on the grounds were heavily damaged.
About 30 firefighters extinguished the flames in about 20 minutes, according to Scott. No injuries were reported.
"The cause was incendiary, and is under active investigation," Scott said.
The fire was being investigated by the House of Worship Arson Task Force, which includes personnel from the LAFD, Los Angeles Police Department, FBI, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The LAFD will utilize all of its resources to investigate and prosecute the responsible parties, Scott said.
"The LAFD considers the crime of arson to be the most egregious crime committed in the city of Los Angeles," he said.
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