The State Fire Marshal’s office has determined the fire that destroyed Consolation Primitive Baptist Church was as a result of arson, according to reports.

The church caught fire in the early morning of Feb. 16. Afterward, the Central Volunteer Fire Department battled the blaze for hours.

The ATF and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office held a joint investigation of the historic church fire in the Oakey Streak Community.

State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk told the Andalusia Star-News on Friday that “this joint investigation has determined that the fire was intentionally set.”

Butler County Sheriff Kenny Harden said the day of the fire, that there was no power running to the church, and there have been a lot of incidents with kids.

Fire Marshal Public Information Officer Steve Holmes said physical evidence has been gathered and is currently being analyzed.

Additionally, interviews are now being conducted with potential witnesses.

Holmes said anyone with any information about this fire is asked to call the Alabama Arson Hotline at 1-800-654-0775 or report information at www.firemarshal.alabama.gov.