This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
MUKILTEO, Wash. • Authorities suspect arson in a two-alarm fire that destroyed a Mormon church building in Mukilteo, Wash., early Saturday morning, leaving a congregation looking for a new home.
The Herald of Everett reports that the two-alarm fire was reported shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters responded within minutes but the fire had spread, and with the roof collapsing, they kept the fire in check.
Firefighters say the building was built before fire sprinklers were mandated and thus didn't have a sprinkler system.
KSL.com reported Saturday night that Assistant Fire Chief Brian McMahan said investigators collected evidence that led them to conclude arson. "It started on the exterior in the rear of the middle of the building," McMahan said.
Jeff Lee, president of the Lynnwood Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says the fire affected two wards.