arson suspected
Arson is suspected as the cause of a fire that completely destroyed St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry.
According to reports, investigation shows the fire appears to have been started in three separate locations in the basement of the building. Bonners Ferry Police have identified a person of interest related to the fire, a man who had been arrested earlier in the day on unrelated charges.
In addition, statues in the church building had been vandalized, which added to the suspicion of an intentionally-set blaze. Similar vandalism had occurred at the church two months ago, also at Bonners Ferry's Trinity Lutheran church.
Firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning, April 21. They found the building fully engulfed in flames on their arrival. Firefighters were on the scene fighting the fire through the early-morning hours of Thursday, with a crew remaining through the day and overnight Thursday night to monitor for any flare ups in the collapsed and burned building.
Bishop Peter F. Christensen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, issued a statement about the burning of St. Ann's in Bonners Ferry:
“Like many of you, we have been following the early morning fire at St. Ann Church, Bonners Ferry. We are happy to report that Father Carlos Perez, parish administrator, was not injured, and neither were there any injuries reported among parishioners or the brave members of the community who fought the fire.
We have been heartened by the prayers and support of the community and of Catholics and others around the state reaching out to the people of St. Ann’s in this hour of need. Catholics have worshipped at St. Ann’s for more than 120 years.
We are cooperating with authorities investigating the cause of the blaze.
Join me in praying for the people of St. Ann’s and all those affected by this fire.”
Investigation into the cause of the fire, and in identifying a definite suspect is ongoing. Along with the Bonners Ferry Police Department, other investigating agencies include the Idaho Fire Marshal's Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
St. Ann's has an outdodor pavilion where some gatherings may be temporarily held. Plans were to hold a special mass at the Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church. Trinity Lutheran church has also offered use of its building.
