Wednesday, May 16, 2001
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Wednesday, May 16, 2001 |
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Chariots of Fire goes up in flames; 'suspicious' cause eyed By DAVE HAMRICK
North Fayette's troubled Chariots of Fire Ministries has experienced some more trouble $200,000 in damage from a fire authorities are listing as "suspicious." "It's still under ... a joint investigation of the Sheriff's Department" and the county Department of Fire and Emergency Services, said fire department spokesman Capt. Pete Nelms Tuesday. "Because of the ongoing investigation we are not able to release any additional information at this time." Flames engulfed the ministry's home at 1660 Ga. Highway 138 at 3 a.m. Monday. No one was home and there were no injuries. A motorist using a cell phone reported the blaze, according to Nelms, who added that the first firefighters responding arrived less than six minutes later and reported flames through the roof and the structure "well involved in fire." Firefighters worked more than two hours to bring the fire under control, said Nelms. Clayton County firefighters helped with the fire under a mutual aid agreement with Fayette. The home is owned by Luther Graham, bishop of Chariots of Fire, and has been used to house Graham's family as well as offices for the ministry, which works to find jobs and shelter for homeless people. Failure of the property's septic system last year prompted Graham to ask Fayette County to allow Clayton County to provide sewerage to the home, but county commissioners refused. Graham filed suit and lost. Ministry supporters have searched for a solution to the septic problems, but to no avail. According to county health officials, the property's soil will not absorb the septage. Nelms said investigators are hoping to wrap up the investigation in a week or so.
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