Update: Fire that burned Elm Street church building ruled arson

Scott Swanson

A fire that officials have concluded was caused by an arsonist severely damaged a building at Elm Street Baptist Church Tuesday evening, May 11.

Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District and Sweet Home Police Department personnel responded to a report of a structure fire at the church, 1150 Elm St., just after 8 p.m. When fire personnel arrived, they located the church’s fellowship hall involved with fire, according to a statement from Sweet Home police.

“Due to the early 9-1-1 call and the quick response of the crew, the fire was contained to the one building,” Sweet Home Fire District Chief Dave Barringer said.

Members of the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Oregon State Police Arson Investigation Unit responded Wednesday morning, May 12, to assist with the fire investigation. They confirmed what local officials already suspected, that the cause was arson.

Police Chief Jeff Lynn said the “investigation is in full swing. We hope to have a significant chunk of it wrapped up by Friday.”

He said he can’t say whether investigators are looking for a single individual or more than one, but he said evidence was seized and “investigators are working on leads, developing their suspect.”

Lynn said police have “no information or indication” that the burglary that preceded the fire and the arson were a hate crime.

“Things are progressing,” he said.

The church fellowship hall had been burglarized two weeks prior by one or more individuals who broke in and turned on water faucets that caused damage well into thousands of dollars.

Evidence was seized in that burglary as well, Lynn said.

“We’re going to be looking at both,” as possibly connected, he said. L “It’s too coincidental.”

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Sweet Home Police Sgt. Jason Ogden at (541) 367-5181.

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