A fire at the post office in Epes, Ala., was called in to 911 around 6 a.m. Friday. Investigators say it was discovered by someone passing by.

Emergency responders say they found the electrical meter had been removed from the side of the building, the wire to the alarm system had been cut and fire was coming from a garbage can inside the building.

Officials say firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire, but the damage was extensive.

'It's smoked up real bad. Some burn, fire marks and just real smoked up. I'm not sure what they were looking for, but I'm quite sure it's probably money," said Sumter County Sheriff Johnny Hatter.

Hatter said it was not immediately known if anything was missing.

"I noticed that the safe was turned upside down," said Hatter. "I'm not sure what was in the safe at this time but it was just a safe."

Hatter suspects the fire was set to cover evidence, like fingerprints. He said the person or persons responsible would face burglary and arson charges.

For now the town hall building in Epes is being used as the temporary post office.