VALLEY CITY, N.D. (AP) — Authorities have determined that a fire that devastated a Valley City church was deliberately set.

The blaze that broke out shortly after 3:30 a.m. Monday caused more than $1 million in damage to Faith Lutheran Church. Fire Chief Gary Retterath says investigators have concluded the fire was set in a number of different areas in the church. They've ruled it a case of arson.

The investigation was done with the help of the state fire marshal's office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Police are looking into the possibility that the fire might be connected to a recent string of church burglaries. Police investigated burglaries at four Valley City churches in late September, including two break-ins at Faith Lutheran.

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