Investigators said today they believe a fire at a Lookout Valley day care and church intentionally was set overnight Sunday.
It happened around 10:30 p.m. at the Lookout Valley Nazarene Day Care at 134 Aster Ave., said Bruce Garner, Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman.
Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the evidence he has collected so far indicates the fire was set intentionally. Chattanooga police are assisting with the investigation.
Quick work by firefighters saved the day care and an attached church, he said. Lt. J.J. Jackson with Engine 20 said flames were shooting out a window when the first firefighters arrived.
The firefighters managed to contain the blaze to an area that appeared to be used as a classroom. The day care was not occupied at the time, and no injuries were reported, Mr. Garner said.
The day care is attached to Lookout Valley Church of the Nazarene through a shared gym.