GRANT, Tenn. -- A tight-knit Tennessee community west of Carthage, Tenn., wasn't about to let arsonists destroy a piece of history Wednesday night, Nashville television station WSMV reported.

Church Fire Extinguished By Residents

When the Grant Church of Christ caught fire, members of the public jumped into action, saved the structure and gave police key information that led to arrests.

"It holds a lot of memories for some people, and it was put here to stay here," said Sgt. Scott Hale, Smith County Sheriff's Office.

But late Wednesday night some teenagers allegedly had a different plan. Sheriff's officials said with a can of gas and a spark, the teens set the old church on fire.

"I told him, 'The church is on fire,' so we all took off with water," said resident Vickie Roberts.

She and her family, who have relatives buried on the church grounds, were not about to let it go without a fight.

In the middle of fighting the fire, the residents managed to get the license plate number on the car that the teens were using. The vehicle was found about four hours later at the bottom of Old Hickory Lake in Wilson County.

Police were able to track two of the four teens they believe were involved in the arson.

Even though the old church has been abandoned for years, investigators are trying to determine if the building is still considered chartered. If so, federal charges could be filed.

"There is always the possibly of a simple fire turning into a major catastrophe," said Hale.

Thanks to one family and their appreciation of history, the flames were quickly extinguished.

"It's been here forever. It's almost like part of the family," said Jeffery Seiver, who helped fight the fire.

Investigators said the two juveniles in custody confessed being at the church. Two more teens are expected to be arrested soon.

Police are working to determine whether the same teenagers set other recent fires in Smith and Wilson counties.