Contra Costa County Fire investigators are searching for evidence at Christ Community Church in Concord, where flames broke out Thursday morning in a vacant building.
"We're going in through a systematic approach, eliminating each section as we move in," Fire Marshal Chris Bachman said.
Not much is left of the structure as crews cleaned up charred debris. The entire second story of the multi-purpose room collapsed. Officials said it wasn't likely a hate crime, but do suspect it could have been homeless responsible for the incident.
Bachman said there is a history of transients breaking into the building.
"The night before the fire at eight o'clock, a property maintenance person was on staff did run a person off that was in the area and around building," Bachman said, adding that it is not known if that incident is related to the blaze.
The church is in the process of selling the over 80-year-old building, and Pastor Janelle Maher prayed the homeless are not involved in the fire.
"We've served a lot of people that are unhoused, a lot of them we know their names," Maher said. "I'm just really hoping that that's not (the case) because I would not want it to be someone getting hurt or injured."
There are no reports of any injuries at this time.
