Woman charged with arson after fires set at Vineyard Church of Augusta

Early Monday, 21 September 2026, staff arriving at Vineyard Church of Augusta at 3126 Parrish Road, Augusta, Georgia, smelled smoke and found several piles of burned firewood placed about 10–15 feet around the main building; some piles were still smoldering. One bundle near the back right corner damaged exterior metal, and smoke entered the worship center. Limited damage only; no injuries. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and fire department responded; ATF and state authorities also became involved. Katherine Aldridge, 67, a former attendee previously asked not to return after disruptions, allegedly admitted setting the fires and was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree arson; held without bond at Charles B. Webster Detention Center. The church’s Storehouse Food Pantry sessions that Monday were canceled. The Augusta Press published 23–24 September 2026.

Coordinates are the Nominatim address pin for 3126 Parrish Road, Augusta, Georgia (33.5176106, −82.0562339). occurredOn is the Monday early-morning discovery window; arrest was Tuesday 22 September.