Arson Fire at Church in Echo Park
33 Los Angeles Firefighters quickly gained control of an arson fire at the "Fore Runners for Christ" church, limiting damage.
At 2:26 AM, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1600 N Morton Av in Echo Park. Initial reports were of a large, single family dwelling with fire on the porch. The fire extended to the attic but the quick action of firefighters stopped the spread and limited damage primarily to the porch. It was then determined the structure is a church and the fire was purposely set. LAFD Arson and LAPD took control of the scene and will be joined by the ATF and FBI to form the House of Worship Task Force for the investigation.
In 1996, President Clinton declared the investigation and prevention of church arsons a national priority. The House of Worship Task Force was established as a joint effort between the ATF, FBI and local arson and law enforcement agencies. Dollar loss is to be determined and the investigation is on going.
