Investigators: Cause of Aiken County church fire unknown

Authorities investigating an Aiken County church fire have said they were unable to determine the fire’s cause, officials say.

Crews responding to the fire at Glover Grove Baptist Church on the west side of Aiken Friday morning found the church fully involved. Forensic investigators, with assistance from SLED and the FBI, were called to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Based upon the scene examination and the evidence collected, agents were unable to determine an exact origin or cause, SLED spokeswoman Kathryn Richardson said in a statement released Monday. As a result, agents were unable to eliminate all accidental ignition sources.

In addition, investigators observed no element of criminal intent, Richardson said. The cause of the fire has been classified as undetermined, she said.

There were no injuries reported in the incident.

Mindy Lucas