Anchorage Fire Department

For Immediate Release

4-24-2008

Contact Battalion Chief Tom Kempton

907-317-7233

Saturday Morning Korean Church Fire Declared Arson

Anchorage Fire Department fire investigators working with federal agents from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), have determined that the fire that struck the Anchorage Korean Church of Christ, 3833 Parsons Avenue, in Mt. View on 4-19-2008 was intentionally set in an act of arson.

Investigations by the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) and ATF, working cooperatively, revealed that the fire was sparked by a flammable liquid.

The morning of the fire in Mt. View, a specially trained accelerant detecting K-9, Jodie, provided by ATF and handled by Anchorage Fire Department, Deputy Chief Bridget Bushue detected the presence of an accelerant at the scene of the fire.  Investigators dug into the scene and were able to rule out any accidental cause and were able to retrieve samples of the flammable material and other evidence that will be examined.

Initial property damage is estimated at over $100,000 dollars.

Investigators from AFD are asking anyone with information about this crime to call Crimestoppers of Anchorage.  Callers that provide information leading to the arrest and conviction associated with this incident could be eligible for cash rewards. Callers to crimestoppers at 561-7867 can remain anonymous.