ARSON FIRE DAMAGES CHURCH IN SPRING VALLEY

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October 9, 2013 (Spring Valley ) –Sheriff’s investigators along with federal agents have determined that a fire at Santa Sophia Church last night was intentionally set.  A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to arrest of the arsonist.

The fire was reported around 7:57 p.m. last night in the church at 9800 San Juan Street in the Casa De Oro neighborhood of Spring Valley.   Cal Fire/San Miguel Fire district crews were on the scene in three minutes with  five engines and 20 firefighters, who extinguished the blaze within 10 minutes.  

Father Jacob Bertrand told fire officials that there were two community events happening in buildings across the parking lot, but no official activity inside the church when the blaze began.

No injuries were reported and there are no damage estimates at this time. Church officials say activities not involving the sanctuary will continue Wednesday, with morning mass to be conducted in the Parish Hall.


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