Arsonists Burn Church, 2 Houses In North Camden

Arsonists Burn Church, 2 Houses In North Camden Police and fire officials today are sifting through the remains of a church and two unoccupied houses which burned last night in North Camden. The fires are attributed to arsonists. Badly damaged by fire are the Mount Zion Pentecostal Church, 915 N. Front st., and vacant houses at 1133 Lawrence st. and 905 N. Front st., according to Fire District Chief Saponare. Fire Insp. John Gaffney, who is conducting the investigation, said the fires were "definitely set" and that all three followed the same pattern. "We've got one slim lead and are definitely certain that they are the work of arsonists," Gaffney said. Saponare asked city detectives and Gaffney to investigate the blaze that destroyed the interior, parts of the exterior and contents of the church. Prior to the 11:30 p.m. church fire, others were reported in the vacant houses at 5:45 and at 10:20 p.m. [illegible] Saponare said firemen found trash burning on the second floor at the Lawrence st. fire and at the 905 N. Front st. fire, the rear shed was nearly completely destroyed. Investigation showed that the church fire started in the rest room and it is believed that it had been burning for some time before being discovered.