United States (Florida) - A statue of Jesus and cash donations were among the items burned in a fire that engulfed part of a Catholic church Tuesday evening, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. Officials think a candle started the fire that charred parts of St. Helen's Catholic Church, 3033 NW 33rd Ave.

The fire began shortly before 8 p.m., possibly after a parishioner lit some candles near a statue of Jesus and Mary, said Mike Jachles, a Fire Rescue spokesman.

The statues were burned, along with donations left by worshippers, Jachles said. Officials did not know how much money was lost.

Firefighters put out the flames in 15 minutes, keeping the blaze from spreading to the rest of the church, Jachles said.

A preliminary investigation ruled the fire accidental.

Written by South Florida Sun-Sentinel