Smithfield Church Fire: Feds Offering $5,000 Reward For Info

SMITHFIELD, RI — The money is adding up. Another reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person (or people) who set fire to the New Life Worship Center. On Wednesday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said its Boston field office is offering a $5,000 reward. That's in addition to the reward money the Rhode Island Arson Watch Reward Program is offering. The Arson Watch's reward goes up to $5,000.

The Dec. 18 fire, which the fire marshal determined had been deliberately set, burned the exterior of the church and caused more than $350,000 worth of damage.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Kwak announced the reward. The ATF also released a video showing a blue Sport Utility Vehicle believed to have been involved.

"The SUV is shown on surveillance video traveling to the rear of the structure where a fire was intentionally set in a wooden shed adjacent to the church. The fire quickly spread from the shed to the church causing damage in excess of $350,000," the ATF said. Anyone with information about the arson should call 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473); or the Rhode Island Arson Watch Reward Hotline at 401-383-7723.

The fire marshal's office in Rhode Island and at the Smithfield Fire Department, as well as the ATF Providence Field Office, are handling the investigation.