WASILLA — Local, state and federal officials continue to investigate a Friday evening fire that caused more than $1 million damage to Wasilla Bible Church. The church is the home place of worship for Gov. Sarah Palin and was thrust into the national spotlight after Palin was tapped by U.S. Sen. John McCain to be his Republican running mate on the presidential ticket.
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.”
While Wasilla Bible Church is where Palin and her family worships, the governor’s father, Chuck Heath, doesn’t believe Friday’s fire was politically motivated.
“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.
(70) comments
Like her or not, Sarah Palin is not God and anyone who would target a house of God should and will be punished.Endangering the life or lives of others is a despicable act.
fishminder wrote on Dec 22, 2008 6:14 PM:" 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!!!!!!!!!!
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.
Sherry wrote on Dec 22, 2008 11:11 AM:" 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
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.
I happened to be on the web and decided to see what was in Wasilla newspaper.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.
Please, those of us who are not Palin supporters are not personally to blame for the fire, nor do most human beings wish ill-will or harm to those who disagree with them. I received an email from a friend that we've known for 30+ years telling us that he no longer considered us friends since we didn't support Sarah Palin because we don't agree with her. We are all God's children. And we are all Americans. This divisiveness is hurting us all. Times are hard. Please let us pull together
Reading all the hateful comments just makes my hunch this was political even more realistic. Why would someone do this to her church, regardless of how often she attends it (she can't be everywhere at all times)? IF it was politically motivated, it's pretty obvious why someone would want to target Sarah through her church. If it wasn't politically motivated, then there's some sicko arsonist running around Wasilla. Palin-haters comments make me wonder if some of them would do something like this. Sarah is a boulder of strength, so she isn't bothered by the liberal drivel.
I believe we should pray that we not start fires of galloping paranoia ourselves---obviously this church fire was a tragic loss of property-and praise the Creator,not life!--If arson was its start,-- We need to pray for mercy and justice --so the fires of kindness will continue to burn in our hearts,
I was distressed to hear such news from my former home town.God bless arah and her family
I am most definitely not a fan of Sarah Palin, but thats beside the point. The point I am making..there is no excuse whats so ever...for anyone to burn down a house of the Lord. Who ever did this......is one sorry low life scum of the earth...period !
The article states "The blaze was apparently intentionally set outside the church", so stop saying it started in the walls. It eventually spread to the wall, but started outside the building.
Sorry to see so much hate in the USA. 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.
It's a shame someone would do such a wrong stupid thing! I hope they get caught soon. 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.
My sympathy to the congregation of this Holy Place of Worship I do hope the idiot is caught before someone is hurt - but to Sarah "Oh dear I hope it was not my fault" - just another attempt at more airtime - she's part of all the congregations when it comes to getting a vote - maybe one of the witches are after you SARAH-SARAH-SARAH.....You may need another dose of exorcism, I'd consider it Sarah, let's have all the networks cover this one not just a video tape - it will be primetime baby!!
I hope that they find the misguided people who started this fire and prosecute them for this cruel act. I am praying that the members can rebuild their church. 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.
To you Palin Haters- We are so tired of your constant nasty, hateful comments. This story is about someone setting a fire to Gods House and human beings inside, woman, children and that this vermin or vermins could have killed them. Are you that heartless and so full of hatred against fellow human beings?
Sarah may not have called it her church, but when she goes on Faux news and neither claims or denies this fact and does the 'I hope it wasn't my fault' act, well, she's grandstanding on a horrible situtation and looking to further score points politically. IMO this is a set up for Palin to stay in the media and gain support ...why would liberals want to give her more press? Lastly, Palin doesn't belong to this church; she only attends during the political season to shore up votes - just like the other churches she 'attends'.
I completely agree with Roaie Garzas comment. Sarah is not the one calling it "her church" and even if she did WHO CARES! You all sound like a bunch of children arguing over whats mine. I'm glad everyone made it out of the church safely. I'm proud Sarah Palin is our Governor.
How much hate and rubbish some Palin haters are spreading on this site.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.
yes the fire got "into" the walls, not started there. When you have that large of a commercial structure and the fire burns into a wall, it will spread very rapidly through the walls. That's why building codes now add fire breaks into all walls, to slow that spread but it never will stop it. How you infer that the fire started in the wall, from your own admission that the statement by media was "fire got into the wall" is beyond my publicly educated mind.
The media is insane how many others attend this church? Only Sarah let her be finally Elivis is resting because the world is so focused on Sarah. Blah Blah Blah
I feel alot of hate, and envy coming from some of the comments of the church people, maybe they should take a look at themselves, and reevaluate their christian status...the press says and does things that are not nessessarly promoted by Sarah, it is hard to live in the public eye, when someone is always trying to make things look bad for you..give her some christian compassion for a change.
"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."The above is a direct quote from this article and I seem t have missed where it said accelerants were found.Heating to the eye doctors for better glasses.
Dear sorryin Mass,And the purpose of your comment is ?.....
there are a lot of nut's in this world....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. INTHE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, IF THE U S A SURVIVES....YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE RUNNING I WAS FOR...
The ATF reports accelerant found at the enterances. so sorry Palin Haters it looks like it was set so I guess you'll have to bash her by saying that she started it or deserved it or whatever.
People, you might want to read a bit. Fire started outside the building by the rear entrance. Fire made it into the walls and was burning insulation and other various things traveling throughout the ofices and classrooms on the north side of the building. Sarah does attend our church but is not an official member. And the service on Sunday at WMS was incredible, kinda like we never left the school.
The news reports stated the fire was hard to stop due to it being 'in the walls', and, as a result, the fire department had to 'break into the walls' to put out the fire.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?
Just curious, but has anyone else noticed the similarities in construction in the church, the ice rink, and SP's home. Looks like the same design and probably the same builder. Maybe its just a common design to battle the Alaska elements, anyone know?
It is apparent you haven't been involved with the construction of a public building in the Mat-Su (or the state of Alaska for that matter). Since it is a public building the fire marshall, DEC and every other entity with letters after their name has to sign off on it. It is amazing how so many know so much....also, "the fire was set on the outside the building" according to toth paper...but who bothers with facts when posting here! If it serves your purpose to say it was in the walls.
Does Palin ever think about the repercussions of her incite full comments? Alaskans need to take a hard look at our Governor.
It's not palin's church. I've been going there for 8 years, the only time I see her there is when an election is coming up.God Bless WBC !
I think ATF/DPS were called in because of sista Sarah making the statement that she did. Now tell me, what makes her think she had anything to do with the fire being set? In her own little world of narcissisism, I could see where she could come up with that, but really. Anyway, the church is in my prayers. God Bless
I will pray for the people of the church. If it's a hate crime I hope the people will find God instead of destroying His home. Whether or not this is politically motivated, we support Palin in our town.
About building codes: Yes, people who build in Wasilla still have to meet the same fire codes and building codes as the rest of the state. Just because you choose to ignore them, doesn't mean you should accuse someone who builds a $5million job of skirting building codes.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?
Since apparently very few people are good at deductive reasoning, let me pose the facts as a review question: if the fire started in the walls as so many seem to rush to accuse, why would ATF be called in? Has anyone else ever heard of a house fire that ATF was requested and came to their house? ATF did not respond to the church for alcohol or tobacco, that's for sure.
Glad everyone made it out ok.My prayers to the Wasilla Bible Church. If it started in the walls, wouldn't that point to faulty wiring. But I guess we will never know since Wasilla doesn't require building permits. God Bless.
Thanks to all for the kind words. Don't worry for our congregation. We had the most amazing service today where we absolutely came together. God was in our house. Our house just happens to be a school for now. I doubt that it was politically motivated. It was probably bored Wasilla teens without parental supervision. They will be in my prayers for better guidance. WBC member
It had nothing to do really with Palin and the papers were wrong to call it Palin's Church. A lot of people attend and volunteer with the church on a daily basis not Palin. It is like someone calling Alaska Palin's state. Wrong! It is my state and your state. His church her church. Either it was an arsonist wacko that my claim Palin Palin Palin but only for the attention or it was so messed up kids.
Fire could be due to:1. Stoned teenagers/hoodlums (statistically likely).2. Faulty wiring (looks like it started INSIDE), so quite plausible.3. Kids playing with matchesNote 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.
Hopefully CSI can figure this out, Where is Horatio when you need him.
I will probably not see this either, but I'm having the same experience tonight, too, Ray. I just blogged an hour or so ago talking about the Black churches that were burned down (hate crimes) on the East coast...after Obama was elected...and the editor chose not to publish that.It seems like there is a weekend editor whose hot for Palin, and one during the week who is fair-minded.
Why do some immediately discount that it might not be politically motivated? Maybe it was and maybe it wasn't. Suspicion calls for and investigation as normal practice. Hope they get caught. Glad everyone is alright. God always has a plan.
Our love thoughts are prayers are with Ms. Palin and all members of this church. Please know that our church, St. Mark's will keep all of you on our prayer list.
Let us pray for all affected by this fire, especially the ones who started it. Its like my pastor said this morning- the church is a BODY, not a BUILDING. God is good! He is already restoring hope and faith in the hearts of all of us. 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.
How sad an editor chose my comment as not fit to print.
Our County voted for John McCain and Sarah Palin. We are here to support you in any way we can.
As the new Klamath County Commissioner-elect, I too, want Sarah Palin and everyone in Wasilla to know that our prayers are thoughts are with you. We pray that it was not politically motiviated, but if it were, we stand for integrity in the political realm.
I attend Wasilla Bible Church, and am shocked at the intent of the arson(s) to attack innocent children. I do not know if this was a political hate crime, or a religious hate crime, but I hope that it is treated as a hate crime. This attack is completely vicious in nature and should not be tolerated.
Laurie writes"I believe i it WAS politically motivated"What makes you believe this? Do you have proof?
I have to agree with many of the comments. Setting fire to a building with people in it is wrong no matter who uses the building or what the building is for. I hope if foul play is at the core than justice should not be far away those who would so something like this. I have to agree it's not about Palin unless she was of the five in the building. I will remeber a blessing for all involved.
This isn't 'Palins' church...its one she some time attends. Second, it may not be arson...'the fire was in the walls'... it sounds like faulty craftmanship and electrical to me.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.
What a disgusting, evil act someone has perpetrated against a holy place. I believe i it WAS politically motivated by people who sre afraid of Gov. Palin & her strength and moral values. Good wins over evil & I am keeping the Church, its congregation, and the Palin family in my prayers. It is awful how evil attempts to destroy good. If anyone wants to donate to the church, please go to TeamSarah.org, at www.teamsarah.org/profiles/blogs/donate-today-team-sarah With over 61,000 Sarah supporters, Team Sarah demonstrates how Sarah is greatly supported and loved.
I just want to say that should anyone (especially 'non-Alaskan' bloggers) be tempted to add derogatory or anti-Sarah remarks about this arson,please have the humanity to consider this: 6 human beings (including 2 children) were in the church at the time DOING A CRAFTS PROJECT...My Palmer,AK family sends the Wasilla Bible Church our prayers,and praise GOD nobody was injured.Thank-you,Kenton Palmer,AK
Our hearts and prayers go out for the church, and the entire community.Please know that all the decent people accross this nation are with you all.
I agree with more than a sad day. The person or person's who set the fire with people inside, attempting to do only good things, should be tried for attempted murder. God foregive them because I can't. I woulden't be a bit suprised if they habitually took illegal drugs and that was a big funny ha ha to them Shame , shame on you!.
"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."Genesis 50:20 "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 so totally agree with Leah. Unless Palin is receiving threats, why would she automatically assume its connected to her? Like she's still so popular and wanted and sought after, she would assume it just had to be because of her. Thats a little arrogant I'd say. Also, lets remember this is just a church, just a piece of property and forget the hype over it being ''Palin's Church''. She probably only goes once a month if that. WHO NEEDS A BUILDING WORTH 5 MILLION DOLLARS??? THATS CRAZY
I was picking up my son from the sports complex about the time the fire fighters began responding...and was horrified when I realized it was the church that was in fact on fire. I'm so grateful those inside were able to get out safely and my prayers go out to them and the members of the congregation. I certainly hope those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. I can't believe someone/someones in our community could be so evil and to target a place of worship there aren't words to describe the disgust. May God Bless.
Dear Ed, 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
This is a building - it will be rebuilt. The great people who make up this branch of the body of Christ will definitely press on and prayerfully, all of this will bring glory to God. Merry Christmas to eveyone, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. WBC member.
It truly is a sad day that someone seeks to burn down anything a home, a church, a school but with people in it? I believe when they find the guilty party they should be charged with attempted murder as well.
The perpetrators need to be found and punished. Conjecture and blame have no place here. I am no fan Sarah Palin but this is a heinous act. And allows for hatred to seethe. Enough.
My thoughts and prayers go to the members of the church, including Sarah Palin. TeamSarah,org members are contributing to a fund for rebuilding the church. Won't you join the effort? It's the Christian thing to do.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the members of Wasilla Bible Church. Those of us who live in the lower 48 and were inpired be Gov. Palin's candidacy are saddened to learn that this might be politcal.
I think her concerns that the recent negative press and comments are valid and her expressing that concern is a good thing. What is YOUR problem that you take a story like this and make it political? Can't you get over your obsession with Palin bashing? Lets provide prayers and support for ALL the members of the church. Maybe even one little one for you....
Arson is always a sad and tragic thing. I would certainly like to offer my prayers and financial assistance to the members in their rebuilding efforts. However, for the press to use this as an opportunity to give more publicity to Sarah Palin is tragic. How noble of her to offer an apology. The campaign is over. She lost!Can we please stop with the Sarah love-fest for a few years? Let's provide support and prayers for the non publicity seeking people of the church and leave Sarah out of the paper for a few months..
My prayers go out to the pastor and parishioners of the church - best of luck in rebuilding.
This is a sad day for everyone, especially those whose "church home" was so heavily damaged. I've read the "anit Palin" remarks spewing forth regarding this in the comments section of another local paper and that too is so very sad. Warm thoughts on this very chilly day to all of the members of the church and that includes Sarah Palin and her family.
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