Archives: Fire Guts Historic Church
June 9, 2000
Less than a week after a raging fire destroyed the Tongan United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, fire investigators say they've figured out how it happened.
They held a press conference today and
News Specialist John Daley was there.
Fire officials say they suspect this blaze was caused by arson, and they believe two teenagers are responsible.
The fire happened on Monday night and entirely gutted the Tongan United Methodist Church.
Since then, the Salt Lake fire department and agents from the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have been investigating, conducting interviews and sifting through the rubble of the church.
Late this afternoon they announced their findings.
They say this was not a hate crime and not gang-related.
They say a pair of teens were spotted running from the church that night, and they believe they started the fire.
Investigators say the fire started on the main floor of the unlocked building, in the music room.
The teenagers have not been arrested, and the case has been turned over to the District Attorney's Office. They will determine what happens next for the teens.
By the way, fire officials say the total damage from the fire is estimated at $1 million.
