Investigation underway after item sparks fire at church in Trenton, NJ

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Officials are investigating after an unknown item sparked a fire that damaged church property in Trenton, New Jersey.

Crews responded to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Advent at South Broad and Malone Streets at 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Officials say the church sustained minimal damage outside as someone was trying to put out an object that caught fire. It's unclear what that object was.

Officials said that whoever was in the church placed the burning object in a trash bag and took it outside in an effort to put it out, however, the bag caught fire and flames went up the side of the building.

The fire was under control before it spread into the building.

The only visible damage is a two-foot section of the rain gutter at the edge of the roof and charred debris on the ground. There is no visible damage to the exterior brick wall.

The fire marshal and Mercer County prosecutor's office are now investigating.