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Detectives Suspect Arson In Fire That Devastated Korean-American Church

WEST COVINA (CBS) — Arson investigators were at the scene of a fire that ravaged a Korean-American church Tuesday.

The blaze ignited at Union Evangelical Church at 710 North Lark Ellen Avenue, shortly after 5 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

"I feel bad for the kids because their worship facility is not here anymore," said Sam Roberson, a youth minister at the church. "I think a lot of people are devastated."

West Covina Church Fire
(credit: CBS)

No one was injured in the fire.

A baby grand piano and other instruments were destroyed in the blaze, which caused approximately $1 million in damages.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Pastor Roberson said he was confident the congregation of 500 people would get through this.

"We have faith and something will work out from there. It's a perspective-changer and if that means we bond a little closer as a family then I think that's a great thing," Roberson said.

In the mean time, the congregation will use a church across the street to hold services.

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