The fire, which was called in about 9:40 p.m., is “definitely suspicious,” said James Steele, chief of the Central Mat-Su Fire Department. A task force comprised of local fire officials, the Wasilla Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
The blaze was apparently intentionally set outside the church while at least five people were inside participating in a craft-making project, Steele said, adding that, “All were able to get out safely.”
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“My gut feeling is, I would be very surprised if there were any connection (to Palin’s candidacy),” he said, adding he is curious about what would motivate someone to set fire to a church. “I’m interested in that, too, but I doubt it was connected.”
Heath said he talked with Governor Palin about the fire and said “she’s very upset about it, too. You just wonder why? Why was it set, the motive, the intent? We all want to know that.”
A statement issued by Palin spokesman Bill McAllister says the governor regrets if the campaign brought “undeserved negative attention” to Wasilla Bible Church.
Palin’s mother, Sally Heath, said she was shocked to learn her church had been the target of suspected arson.
“Oh my gosh, oh what a shame,” she said. “I just can’t imagine someone’s thinking in starting that fire, and if they know for sure it was arson, oh my gosh, what a tragedy for the church, for the people.”
The church has an estimated value of about $4 million to $5 million, Steele said. Although he wouldn’t comment on specifics about whether any accelerants were found, investigators will continue to probe the source of the blaze.
“Damage inside (the building) is actually to the first and second floors,” Steele said. “I can’t get into some of the specifics, but at least the floor in one area dropped at least two feet, so there was extensive damage to the substructure.”
Samples taken from the building are being sent to a crime lab and investigators will interview those who were inside the church when the fire started, Steele said. Those inside escaped after being alerted by an alarm.
Firefighters from all Central Mat-Su Fire Department stations responded in sub-zero weather to what Steele called the largest Mat-Su Valley fire since the June 2007 fire that destroyed Susitna Valley Jr./Sr. High School. Also responding were crews from Meadow Lakes, Big Lake and Houston, with Willow firefighters standing by, Steele said.
Sunday services for Wasilla Bible Church were moved to Wasilla Middle School.

Comments
70 comment(s)darleneslee wrote on Dec 27, 2008 5:43 PM:
Endangering the life or lives of others is a despicable act. "
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 23, 2008 9:49 AM:
" I don't believe that anyone wished Gov. Palin harm by wishing those in the church well. Please don't disparage those who politically don't agree with Palin's politics, but certainly wish her well and would shudder to think of any criminal act to do her harm. It is the Christmas season. We are all Americans and need to be there for each other. "
Amen!!!!!!!!!! "
fishminder wrote on Dec 22, 2008 6:14 PM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 22, 2008 1:54 PM:
" For those separating their well wishes to the church only - are you trying to say you're sad Gov. Palin wasn't harmed?!
It's as though you're only extending safety wishes for others and not the Governor.
*shaking head* Absolutely incredible. Such haters. "
Sherry, let me get this straight, do you think people offering their wishes to the "Church" are hating Palin, her "Crookedness">
Get real girl "
Sherry wrote on Dec 22, 2008 11:11 AM:
It's as though you're only extending safety wishes for others and not the Governor.
*shaking head* Absolutely incredible. Such haters. "
Mike from WI wrote on Dec 22, 2008 12:14 AM:
I volunteered for Obama and disagree with Palin's political views as I am a proud liberal. Still I think she is a good person with a wonderful family. I wish her well personally.
Please do not blame the liberals for the fire. Only a dispicable and demented person would set fire to any building, much less a house of God. I hope he/she is found and punished. "
Sad in NC wrote on Dec 19, 2008 7:34 AM:
Laurie wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:23 PM:
i miss sis wrote on Dec 18, 2008 3:57 PM:
bea wrote on Dec 18, 2008 2:25 PM:
AnnieOkie wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:50 AM:
truth wrote on Dec 18, 2008 2:14 AM:
marie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 6:46 PM:
I don't think you guys are angry at Sarah I think it is she made a stand in her life for God which is her right. She never backed down she stood her ground with all the hatred that was thrown her way. Did anyone ever wander where she got that help? What you guys need to do is pray for this country and remember the lessons in the bible about the evil and hatred of man kind. "
Alaskan wrote on Dec 17, 2008 2:52 PM:
It does make me wonder if it was directed at the Gov. then why?
Was it because of the way she conducted herself out on the campaign trail. Saying that only real Americans come from small towns? That the other party were a bunch of terrorists? Calling the other party communists/socialists.
At several of her rallies she was borderline in sighting to riot with her rhetoric.
We reap what we sow. "
doc wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:35 PM:
fishminder wrote on Dec 16, 2008 1:32 PM:
But I am also hoping that this is not about politics. It is important for us to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
I supported Obama and was not a McCain/Palin supporter for numerous reasons, but there is no reason to protest someone's political arguments by senseless acts against a church. "
alaskan wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:53 AM:
Stew wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:44 AM:
Leslie Johnson wrote on Dec 15, 2008 4:54 PM:
I'm glad everyone made it out of the church safely. I'm proud Sarah Palin is our Governor. "
Charlie wrote on Dec 15, 2008 2:17 PM:
They election is over;so, stop bashing Gov.Palin and her family ; for some people it has become a obsession (a day task) hating Gov.Palin and her family. "
cmh wrote on Dec 15, 2008 2:07 PM:
elvis wrote on Dec 15, 2008 1:52 PM:
Roaie Garza wrote on Dec 15, 2008 1:08 PM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:14 PM:
Heating to the eye doctors for better glasses. "
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:10 PM:
And the purpose of your comment is ?..... "
MAX wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:08 PM:
WE HAVE LESS THAN SOME STATES,
SO SARA MANY OF US WOULD WELCOME YOU TO TEXAS...
WE VOTED (MOST OF US) FOR YOU.
AND I BELIEVE WE WOULD AGAIN. IN
THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, IF
THE U S A SURVIVES....
YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE RUNNING
I WAS FOR... "
sorryin mass wrote on Dec 15, 2008 11:29 AM:
Tired wrote on Dec 15, 2008 10:35 AM:
Response to cmh wrote on Dec 15, 2008 9:22 AM:
Listen to the media reports (and that doesn't include faux news).
The frontiersman needs to rethink its headlines...like others have stated, this isn't 'Palin's (or her mothers) church' when is the frontiersman going to do some honest reporting on Pagent Palin? "
icedog wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:56 AM:
To RLT wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:33 AM:
Still amazed wrote on Dec 15, 2008 7:37 AM:
To Ed wrote on Dec 15, 2008 6:23 AM:
God Bless WBC ! "
RLT wrote on Dec 15, 2008 5:51 AM:
Laura from Klamath Falls Oregon wrote on Dec 15, 2008 5:44 AM:
cmh wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:38 PM:
But seriously, who EVER said the fire started in the walls? So many bloggers here seem to thing that, but ATF and DPS don't think so. What is it about keyboard jockeys that they think they know more than the experts? "
cmh wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:36 PM:
RLT wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:54 PM:
alaskamom wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:46 PM:
Pleeeeeeease wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:32 PM:
Lorrie wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:28 PM:
1. Stoned teenagers/hoodlums (statistically likely).
2. Faulty wiring (looks like it started INSIDE), so quite plausible.
3. Kids playing with matches
Note to Sarah: This is not about YOU!
I sincerely hope that IF it IS arson, that the perps are caught and prosecuted.
But, this is about the women and children inside - Thank God they are ok - THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU SARAH. "
LOL Strength and Moral Values wrote on Dec 14, 2008 5:31 PM:
TO Ray wrote on Dec 14, 2008 5:24 PM:
It seems like there is a weekend editor whose hot for Palin, and one during the week who is fair-minded. "
Why not wrote on Dec 14, 2008 4:39 PM:
Jo Anne from Klamath FallsOR wrote on Dec 14, 2008 2:30 PM:
G from COTR wrote on Dec 14, 2008 2:10 PM:
Let this tragedy not be the cause of argument, finger pointing, or bashing anybody. Lets honor the God that provides for us all, and remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. "
Ray wrote on Dec 14, 2008 1:36 PM:
Ron-also from Klamath Falls Oregon wrote on Dec 14, 2008 1:35 PM:
Cheryl-Klamath Falls Ore wrote on Dec 14, 2008 1:33 PM:
ladybelle wrote on Dec 14, 2008 1:28 PM:
to laurie wrote on Dec 14, 2008 1:26 PM:
"I believe i it WAS politically motivated"
What makes you believe this? Do you have proof? "
As a non believer of churches wrote on Dec 14, 2008 12:21 PM:
John wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:58 AM:
This is just another excuse to give Palin more undue press aound the nation. Some could state there is a good side to this; there won't be anymore witch hunts in Wasilla for the immediate future!
Luckily no one was hurt. "
Laurie wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:51 AM:
With over 61,000 Sarah supporters, Team Sarah demonstrates how Sarah is greatly supported and loved. "
Kenton wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:48 AM:
Thank-you,Kenton
Palmer,AK "
Joe from Klamath Falls OR wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:12 AM:
Please know that all the decent people accross this nation are with you all. "
CLB wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:54 AM:
Irma in Georgia wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:45 AM:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you; And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."Numbers 6:24-26
My prayers are with each and everyone of you. May we continue to Praise Him in the face of evil and to God be the Glory. Irma "
I AGREE wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:27 AM:
Traci wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:45 AM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:40 AM:
Politically motivated you say? And you heard this where.
Hypothetically, I could ask was it set by Palin supporters to keep her in the spotlight? Or could it have been set by her ex-brother in law? Geesh, maybe was set by God showing his disdain for all the Antics of unethical Alaskan politicians.
Ed, this affects the entire congregation, not just her "Crookedness".
So please keep politics out of this horrific deed.
Thank you "
Dave wrote on Dec 14, 2008 8:38 AM:
More than a sad day wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:55 AM:
c oliver wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:11 AM:
Diane wrote on Dec 14, 2008 6:20 AM:
Ed wrote on Dec 14, 2008 5:11 AM:
To Leah wrote on Dec 13, 2008 11:40 PM:
Leah wrote on Dec 13, 2008 8:29 PM:
. "
Kelly wrote on Dec 13, 2008 6:52 PM:
Sad Day wrote on Dec 13, 2008 6:10 PM: