The blaze that

destroyed the home of the Chariots of Fire Ministries has officially been

ruled arson.

Tests are being

performed to determine what type of flammable or combustible liquid was

used to feed the blaze, said Capt. Pete Nelms of the Fayette County Department

of Fire and Emergency Services.

A reward fund

has been established for information leading to the arrest and conviction

of the person or persons who started the blaze, Nelms added. Anyone with

information is urged to contact the Fayette County Fire Marshall's Office

at 770-461-6353, ext. 5414, the Fayette County Sheriff's Department at

770-461-6353 or the state Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5404.

The fire was

reported around 3 a.m. May 14 by a passing motorist on Ga. Highway 138.

When firefighters arrived six minutes later, flames were already breaking

through the roof, Nelms reported.

It took firefighters

over two hours to get the blaze under control, and Clayton County firefighters

assisted the efforts, Nelms said.

The family

of Luther Graham, bishop of the ministry, was not at home when the blaze

occurred.

Chariots of

Fire's ministry has focused on assisting homeless people by providing

job search assistance and shelter. The property has been in limbo for

a while after its septic system failed.

Graham had

sought permission to tie into Clayton County's sewer system from the Fayette

County Board of Commissioners. His request was denied, and he filed suit

against the county over the issue and lost in court.

County health

officials have maintained the property would not absorb the septage from

the building.