A second Anacortes church has been hit by what Fire Prevention chief Jack Kennedy terms an "intentionally set" fire. The fire broke out late Friday night at the Salvation Army, located at 30th St. & R Ave., but was quickly doused by fire crews
Kennedy said there was significant smoke damage, but "minimal damage" from the fire itself. Twenty firefighters responded from Anacortes, as well as Fire Districts 11 and 13. The Red Cross also responded.
The Salvation Army is set to reopen Wednesday, according to church pastor and Salvation Army Lt. Josh Boyd. Staff is working to clean up the mess. He said they were lucky that the fire was started in a room that won't prevent any social services, including the food bank, from re-opening quickly.
Boyd said the smoke set off a smoke detector and the Fire Department was there quickly. But, he said the smell inside is awful and it was spread throughout the building by the ventilation system.
Kennedy said the Fire Department has several leads. He said they are people with access to the building.
An intentionally set fire damaged the Pilgrim Congregational Church on Commercial Ave. on Feb. 28. Cleanup costs there have gone to around $80,000.
There were no injuries in either fire.