The federal agency made the determination from evidence gathered at the scene in Wasilla, the Mat-Su Borough reports. It’s unclear what type of accelerant was found, and further lab testing will be needed to determine the type. The accelerant was found at multiple places outside the building, including the entrances and exits.
As of Monday, local authorities did not have a suspect or motive for the suspected arson, which caused an estimated $1 million damage to the home church of Gov. Sarah Palin, Wasilla Deputy Police Chief Greg Wood said. They do, however, have witnesses and other people to interview.
 ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman The broken windows at Wasilla Bible Church have been covered with sheets of plywood as workers inside the building begin the clean-up process following a suspicious fire Friday evening. |
Although the building was badly damaged, Wasilla Bible Church held services Sunday at Wasilla Middle School. If the motive of starting the fire was to discourage the church’s congregation, that goal was unsuccessful, said Shriley O’Donnell, a 28-year member of the church who coordinates its prayer hotline. O’Donnell estimated the service drew about 1,000 worshipers.
“They could never do that,” she said, adding the message of Sunday’s service was one of faith, hope, charity and forgiveness. “Some people had tears in their eyes, but we were rejoicing.”
When she first learned of the Friday fire, O’Donnell said she was “kind-of devastated, but not really, because I know the Lord was in control. He’s the top man on our roster.”
Wood said he hasn’t received any calls with tips or information that might lead to a suspect or suspects. It’s also unclear at this time what the investigation will uncover, he said.
“It’s very early stages to make any predictions,” Wood said.
Appearing on the Fox News program “On the Record” with host Greta Van Susteren Monday evening, Palin said she apologized to church officials if the fire was in any linked to her candidacy for vice president.
She said there are some “crazy, mean-spirited people out there. ... There’s so much evil.” Palin also urged looking for opportunities where “maybe we can do some good.”
Firefighters responded to the fire around 9:40 p.m. Friday as flames began spreading through the church while a small group of people were inside working on craft projects. No one was injured in the blaze, and a fire alarm reportedly alerted them to get out of the church.
It took firefighters from all Central Mat-Su Fire Department stations to control the blaze. Crews from Meadow Lakes, Big Lake and Houston helped, with firefighters from Willow on stand by.
They worked in temperatures as low as -20 degrees containing what Central Mat-Su Fire Chief James Steele said was the largest fire in the Mat-Su Valley since the Su Valley Jr./Sr. High School burned in June 2007.
On Saturday, fire officials were already labeling the blaze suspicious, and Steele said it appeared the fire was intentionally set outside the church.
News reports of the fire went nationwide because the church gained national attention during Palin’s bid for the vice presidency.
The church was criticized early in Palin’s campaign after reports said it promoted a Focus on the Family “Love Won Out Conference” in Anchorage. The conference said it would help people “dissatisfied with living homosexually understand that same-sex attractions can be overcome.”
Anyone with information about the fire that might be helpful to investigators can call Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333 or the Wasilla Police Department at 352-5401.
In the mean time, Wasilla Bible Church will continue its regular Sunday worship schedule at Wasilla Middle School, O’Donnell said, adding that she’s confident the church will rebound stronger than ever.
“Satan will do anything he can to stop us,” she siad, “but he can’t do it.”
Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.
Comments
36 comment(s)Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 30, 2008 12:00 PM:
To Ed in AZ-why did you not answer my question?no paper left in your state that will let you blog there?-Do you have the amended return from the IRS?- by what authority?are you an expert on alaska tax law?What degree, or certifications do you have? ...
Oh and Ed we don't have a state income tax, how bout you? "
I blog all over US, now your turn, why has Sarah not reported per diems on fed tax returns\? She needs to file amended, correct returns "
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 26, 2008 10:52 PM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 26, 2008 2:53 PM:
" to Ed in AZ- WOW! musta really pushed your button with that one! You just reinforced my estimate of your intellect with your personal attack. Moron? Ed why can you not stick to truth, issues and PROVEN acts instead of false accusations, etc.? .........Doesn't Arizona have any papers anymore? Or have they all banned you for your lying, incivility? "
Two questions Rex, why are the per diem ,other expense monies not listed on her tax returns? Or can't you answer obvious questions since you have no defense? "
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 26, 2008 4:20 AM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 25, 2008 6:24 PM:
" to Ed in AZ-By the way buddy, I notice you are apparently afraid to return a CHRISTMAS greeting and use the liberal orthodox "Happy Holiday" hmmmm..afraid to break lockstep with your leftist peers and acknowledge that this holiday is about Christ? it is OK HE loves you in spite of your actions. "
You have just proven you are a moron.
Icertainly do not know your religious backgtound and chse to generic. So if that bothers you, buy a copy of IRS code for bathroom reading. "
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 24, 2008 6:11 PM:
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 24, 2008 6:06 PM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 24, 2008 10:26 AM:
" Ed in AZ-Most of the things yoou have written has been untrue and as to why they are untrue- only you can decide why you prefer these to stating truth. Glad to see ya back fellow, 3days without your stuff is like not receiving the sunday comics-welcome back "
Dearest Rex, YTou continue to state my comments/questions are untrue, yet you provide not one word to document. Please take the time to research IRS law.
And Happy Holidays to you also!!! "
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 24, 2008 6:00 AM:
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 24, 2008 5:53 AM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 22, 2008 2:42 PM:
" to Ed(ucationally) D(eficient} in A(rea) Z(ero) - As you sit alone in your little desert shack, pining away for attention,any attention, and make up your lies about SP ....., do you ever think of asking to be forgiven for your mean spirited, petit minded, hurtful untruths about someone you don't know? Did this woman harm you or discover your ......... dood. find a cause, get a dog, or better yet GROW UP. "
So Rex,
Please list my untruths, and why they are untruths. "
Oh my godliness wrote on Dec 21, 2008 4:30 PM:
That says it all . Too funny even with typos. Where is Dana Carvey when we need him (church lady) "SAAATIN!" "
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 19, 2008 5:47 AM:
Rex in Wasilla wrote on Dec 19, 2008 5:28 AM:
Eddie Dahlink, we Alaskans don't need to disprove your false allegations. If you have made false allegations, how does one prove a negative? You have made many false charges against Gov Palin, called her many despicable names, slandered her, defamed her character, and made several libelous statements regarding her. In one of your Rants, you stated "down here we would already have started litigation", and we too have courts for addressing poultroons such as yourself. Repent of your wickedness sir before wrath seeks you out, and karma bites your butt. "
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:56 PM:
" Ed from AZ(or is it OZ?) Your shallow and often bizarre comments in our Alasskan newspaper are a source of amusement.Life must be very lonely for you to seek out so much negative attention from strangers.MERRY CHRISTMAS and I hope 2009 is better for you.Untill then thanks for giving us "the funnies" all week not just on Sunday!!!!!! "
My coments are bizarre? How so? My comments are searching for answers from you Palin supporters, yet not one has come forward with any answer that disproves my statements. So can you? "
Laurie wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:05 PM:
Joe from Klamath Falls OR wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:05 AM:
Our small community stands in support of WBC, and the entire community.
You folks that hate Sarah, we heard you so let it go.
Focus on the season of love and giving that we are in. This was an enormous wrong that was done to this church and this community.....our hearts and prayers are with you all. "
Amazed wrote on Dec 17, 2008 1:51 PM:
Laurie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 1:03 PM:
Laurie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 12:57 PM:
Laurie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 12:51 PM:
Laurie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 11:14 AM:
Laurie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 11:11 AM:
doc wrote on Dec 17, 2008 10:31 AM:
Dcotor wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:30 AM:
Charlie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 1:00 AM:
Please, do not distort the words of Gov.Palin.
During the election the media did a nasty spin against this church and gave this church deliberate a bad reporting; the media did this only to harm Gov.Palin because she is connected with this church.
That is the reason Gov.Palin said "she apologizes if the incident is in any way connected to the undeserved negative attention the church"
Read the word "if".
And "if", she apologizes for that.
And that is very decent of Gov.Palin. "
non-believer but wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:24 PM:
I am sorry for this loss, and glad that nobody was harmed. "
Lis wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:10 PM:
You talk about Alaskan's needing to get a grip.... why don't the rest of you?
I hope the authorities find who did this and charge them with 2nd degree attempted murder since people were inside. "
alaskamom wrote on Dec 16, 2008 11:29 AM:
Thanks and God Bless! "
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 16, 2008 10:38 AM:
Can she give it a rest. Her comments should have been sympathetic and offering state help to catch the arsonists, if it is proven to be arson. Or help to prevent similar disasters if it is determined to be faulty wiring or something else.
This firs is not about Sarah. People of Alaska get a grip. "
Omar wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:04 AM:
Alaska Art wrote on Dec 16, 2008 8:21 AM:
Some of us want to send money to help the church that was burned.
Could you give me a www-link / address where this should be sent without being embezzled.
* "
Servant wrote on Dec 16, 2008 7:55 AM:
All of this dosent change anything. It is and always will be about our Lord and savior Jesus.
FAITH-HOPE-LOVE...
Amen... Merry Christmas "
inwasilla wrote on Dec 16, 2008 6:11 AM:
Spankles wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:17 AM:
Ken B. wrote on Dec 15, 2008 5:15 PM:
WE as Believers must stand strong for our convictions even if it means standing guard around our Churches. "