PALM BAY, Fla. --
Detectives investigating a suspected arson at the Living Waters church are examining a surveillance video that shows an explosion at the site of the small building.
The fire swept through the congregation's sanctuary hall about 3 a.m. Tuesday. A Palm Bay patrol officer in the area at the time saw smoke and "a glow" coming from inside the building, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Orange Blossom Trail, Ernie Diebel, a Palm Bay detective and fire investigator, told Local 6 News partner Florida Today.
"This is a serious crime and we will do whatever we can to find the person responsible," Diebel said in a statement.
The church has a racially diverse congregation and is Pentecostal.
Police are interviewing some members who have reported receiving threatening notices that were not directly linked to the church. At least one federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent is involved in the investigation. The federal agency typically reviews all reported suspicious church fires, officials said.
The blaze caused $150,000 in smoke, water and fire damage, officials said.
The video -- taken from the security system of a nearby jewelry store -- shows the explosion taking place at 2:58 a.m. with a vehicle turning off onto U.S. 1. There were indications of multiple spots where fire started inside the 2,000-square-foot building, officials said.
A reward of $1,000 is being offered to anyone with information on the fire, said Yvonne Martinez, spokeswoman with the Palm Bay Police Department. Tipsters can call 800-423-TIPS and remain anonymous, she added.
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