Authorities Probe YouTube Church Fire Video

By The Associated Press

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Authorities are investigating an online video that shows firefighters trying to extinguish one of two church fires started by arson.

The video - with the Billy Joel song "We Didn't Start the Fire" playing in the background - was anonymously posted on YouTube.com two weeks ago with the description, "oh dang that (expletive) got burnt." It shows a late night blaze consuming The Memorial Baptist Church, which suffered more than $1 million dollars in damage during the Jan. 13 fire.

A task force of local, state and federal agencies began to look into the video shortly after it was posted, said Cpl. Kip Gaskins, a Greenville Police Department spokesman. Gaskins said he couldn't comment further.

Along with the fire at The Memorial, authorities responded the same night to a second fire at nearby Unity Free Will Baptist Church and a break-in at a third church. No one has been charged in the incidents, and officials haven't named any suspects.

The YouTube video, apparently filmed from across the street, shows smoke and flames shooting from the roof of the building. The video has been viewed nearly 300 times, according to the site.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories