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(KSL TV) Alert neighbors prevented a LDS Church in Murray from going up in flames.
Fire investigators say a witness noticed three young men between the ages of 14 and 16 dressed in black, running west from the building at 5150 S. 500 West around 6:30 last,then saw smoke rising from the side of the church.
When fire crews arrived, they found a fire burning on the outside of the building and a gas can nearby.
They put the blaze out quickly.
Phil Roberts/Murray City Fire Dept.: "IT COULD HAVE GONE UP INTO THE EAVES AND RAN INTO THE ATTIC DEPENDING ON THE FUEL LOAD, THE AMOUNT OF COMBUSTIBLE PRODUCTS THERE. IT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A DISASTEROUS FIRE FOR THIS CHURCH."
Early damage estimates are around $5,000 to replace some windows, awnings, and to clean some of the bricks.
Investigators are asking anyone who might have seen something to call the Murray Fire Department at 264-2781.
