"We learned the disturbing information that this fire was intentionally set in several places. The police will pursue any leads," said Pastor Sally Balmer in an email to church members Thursday night.
She added, "There is fire damage on the basement east wall (not the children's room) and the upstairs sink area, and especially a disconcerting, ubiquitous smell of smoke that makes the space unusable, at least for now."
The fire was first reported shortly after 8 am Thursday by a church volunteer who reported being met by an overpowering "pea soup" of smoke, according to Balmer.
Balmer indicated that the activities and groups that use the church have been moved to several other places.
According to a Fire Department news release, fire crews arrived quickly and made an interior fire attack limiting the spread of fire to contents only inside the church. Due to the level of smoke damage throughout the church, investigators estimate around $10,000 to $20,000 dollars of damage for repair and rehabilitation before the building can be used.
Assistance from the Police Department and mutual aid from Fire District #11 and Fire District #13 was instrumental in the success of extinguishing this fire. Fourteen on- and off-duty firefighters from Anacortes responded to this incident. An additional 12 Firefighters from Districts #11 and #13 also responded.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.