Fire is set during church service

A man ranting about “the blood” burst into a church sanctuary in Salem during a service, sloshed fuel onto people and started a fire, police and church officials said.

Some parishioners were able to smother the flames with their coats while another group tackled the man, said the Rev. Scott Erickson, pastor of the Peoples Church.

Two women from the congregation were burned when their clothing caught fire.

Prosecutors said Kam Shing Chan, also known as Daniel Chan, 53, was held on charges of attempted aggravated murder, attempted assault, arson and reckless burning.