HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) — Fire officials have characterized a blaze that caused approximately $70,000 in damage to the exterior of a northeast Massachusetts church earlier this week as suspicious.

Haverhill Fire Chief Jack Parow says Tuesday morning's fire at Riverside Church was ignited by an accelerant that was poured along the side of the building. Flames did not spread to the interior of the church and no injuries were reported.

Parow says the fire is "definitely suspicious" and that investigators are doing their due diligence in identifying a culprit.

Pastor Paul Soucy says a suspect or motive for the blaze is a "mystery" to the congregation.

Parow says Haverhill has offered an award of up to $5,000 for information that could lead to an arrest.

The church set up a fund to cover repairs.