Shiloh Gospel Temple Fire Being Investigated As Arson: Reports

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI — Officials are investigating this weekend's fire at Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence as arson because a person was spotted with a gas can near the church, according to multiple reports.

The fire, which occurred "late Saturday night/Sunday morning," originated in several areas around the church's exterior, the Office of the State Fire Marshal told Patch.

A resident caught the incident on surveillance footage which shows a person walking around the building with something in his hand — believed to be a gas can — when police officers arrived at the scene, officials said, according to WPRI.

Video from other surveillance cameras in the area is also being used to piece together what happened, the outlet reported.

"It makes you wonder being that it is a church we all need to respect each others faith but we don’t know the motive at this point in time," Charles Lombardi, the mayor of North Providence, told WPRI. "Once the investigation is completed that will help with the motive."

No additional information was immediately available.