Arson fires damage Texas mission center

ARLINGTON, Texas — Fires apparently set by an arsonist on Christmas eve and in the predawn hours of Christmas Day caused significant damage to the northernmost unit in the building of Mission Arlington, a ministry outgrowth of First Baptist Church, Arlington, Texas. But the center was operating the next day, moving some services housed in the fire-damaged building to other facilities and setting up clothes distribution under a tent in a parking lot.

Investigators ruled out accidental causes. Although no accelerants were used, the fires apparently were set intentionally. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported investigators questioned a “person of interest” but no charges have been filed.