Boardman church fire leaves questions

BOARDMAN -- An early Sunday fire behind a large church leaves many questions for investigators.

The Boardman Fire Department received a call from a residence on Salinas Trail at 5:42 a.m. Sunday about a blaze behind St. Charles Borromeo Church, said Chief Mark Pitzer.

When firefighters arrived, the gazebo and pavilion were fully in flames, he said.

Investigators are looking into the cause, Pitzer said, explaining that it is not known if the blaze was arson or an act of nature.

"It was empty with no heat source in the pavilion other than electrical work, so we are trying to determine what caused the fire," Pitzer said, adding: "We are suspicious."

The Rev. Charles Rogers said he was awakened just minutes after the fire was reported, when he saw fire engine lights go past his bedroom window.

"I knew there were fire trucks going in … I was frightened it was the church or school," Rogers said.

He said that he is thankful for the fire department and the police department, both of which worked to get the scene secured in time for Sunday Mass.

There were no injuries, Pitzer said, and he estimates that the loss of the pavilion is between $20,000 and $30,000.

Crews were on the scene for about two hours.

"There are a lot more questions than answers at this point, and we're trying to determine what caused the fire," Pitzer said.

afox@tribtoday.com

Boardman church fire leaves questions

BOARDMAN — An early Sunday fire behind a large church here leaves many questions for investigators.

The Boardman Fire Department received a call from a residence on Salinas Trail at about 5:42 a.m. Sunday, about a blaze behind St. Charles Borromeo Church, said Chief Mark Pitzer.

When firefighters arrived, the gazebo and pavilion were fully in flames, he said.

Investigators are looking into the cause, Pitzer said, explaining that it is not known if the blaze was arson or some act of nature.

“It was empty with no heat source in the pavilion other than electrical work, so we are trying to determine what caused the fire,” Pitzer said, adding:”We are suspicious”

The Rev. Charles Rogers said he was awakened just minutes after the fire was reported, when he saw fire engine lights go past his bedroom window.

“I knew there were fire trucks going in … I was frightened it was the church or school,” Rogers said.

He said that he is thankful for the fire department and the police department, both of which worked to get the scene secured in time for Sunday Mass.

There were no injuries, Pitzer said, and he estimates that the loss of the pavilion is between $20,000 and $30,000.

Crews were on the scene for about two hours.

“There are a lot more questions than answers at this point, and weáre trying to determine what caused the fire,” Pitzer said.