Investigators: Mukilteo LDS Church Fire Was Arson

Investigators say the large fire that destroyed a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building in Mukilteo Saturday morning was caused by arson.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian McMahan told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News that the church was unoccupied at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.

When crews arrived on scene shortly before 3 a.m., they were forced to take a defensive position, fighting the fire with ladders from the outside.

The fire spread quickly, said McMahan. The building did not have any sprinklers.

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Crews contained the flames to the church building, but the fire completely destroyed the church.

A church member told KIRO 7 News that there were two churches led by two bishops inside the building, as well as classrooms and a gym.

The church member said about 800 people attended church in the building.

Fire crews from Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Mukilteo participated in battling the flames.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms is assisting in the investigation.