WPD continues probe into church fire

WASILLA — Investigators in Wasilla have been canvassing the area around the Wasilla Bible Church still looking for clues that might lead to a suspect in the apparent arson of the church.

So far, no political motivation has been found for the fire, but Wasilla Police Deputy Chief Greg Wood said investigators are not ruling anything out. Just after the Dec. 12 fire, there was some speculation the blaze could be connected to Gov. Sarah Palin’s attendance at the church.

On Dec. 15, three days after the blaze, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced an accelerant was found poured around the exterior of the church.

On Friday, Wood said people interviewed by investigators are cooperating, and leads have been developing.

“We’re hard at work on it,” Wood said.

He added initial samples received from the crime lab in Anchorage didn’t produce any significant information and investigators are still waiting for confirmation on what the accelerant found at the scene is.

Wood also said when a suspect is found, any charges filed will depend on what plays out. The fact that people were inside the church at the time the fire was started could bump potential charges from second-degree arson to first-degree because people’s lives were put in danger, Wood said.

A first-degree arson charge is a class A felony.

Firefighters were called to the Wasilla Bible Church around 9:40 p.m. Dec. 12 after a group of people making crafts inside the church were alerted by a fire alarm. No one was injured in the blaze, but the building sustained an estimated $1 million in damage.

In an interview with the Frontiersman, Pastor Larry Kroon said following the fire the church received an outpouring of support from Alaskans and people from Outside.

“People are very interested,” he said. “They’re very encouraging.”

Kroon said he credits a speedy response by firefighters for saving the church from being destroyed.

As of Friday, there was no official word as to what type of accelerant was used.

Investigators are asking anyone with information that might be helpful to call Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333. Crime Stoppers is offering $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of suspects. Tipsters can also call the Wasilla Police Department at 352-5401.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.