ANDERSON — Local fire and police officials are investigating a suspicious fire at a Columbus Avenue church Friday.

Firefighters were called to Powerhouse Church of God in Christ, 3101 Columbus Ave., shortly before 5 p.m. after smoke was reported coming from the building.

When firefighters arrived, they discovered smoke coming from a second-floor window and windows in the building’s rear broken. The fire, which was quickly put out using extinguishers, caused minor damage, officials said. SMcGrath 7/25/08 scanner traffic

Neighbors told investigators they saw three people throw something through a rear window, climb into the church and then climb back out about minutes later and flee the scene.

Anderson Fire Department Battalion Chief Amos Cooley confirmed the fire was suspicious, but he declined to identify what he believes was used to set the fire because it is under investigation. He said fire and police investigators remained at the scene at about 8 p.m.

Cooley said the church was currently not in regular use and no utilities were connected. He said the building’s layout kept the fire from spreading.

“The way the building was made helped a lot,” Cooley said. “It hindered the fire’s ability to spread.”

A dollar estimate of damage wasn’t immediately available, and a church representative couldn’t be reached late Friday.

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Anyone with information about a suspicious fire Friday at Powerhouse Church of God in Christ, 3101 Columbus Ave., should contact Anderson police at (765) 648-6700 or (765) 648-6730.