ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Federal investigators say that the arsonist who set fire to the church Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin attends poured accelerant around entrances and exits.
Chemical analysis of samples taken from the building could take several weeks, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said Monday.
Five members of the Wasilla Bible Church were in the building when the fire started Friday, the Anchorage Daily News reported. All escaped after the alarm sounded.
The Rev. Larry Kroon said Tuesday that the building might be restored to usable condition by January. Most of the fire damage involved an office and classroom in the back of the building, but water damage was widespread. Damages were estimated at $1 million.
Palin became a conservative icon after she was tapped to be Republican Sen. John McCain's running mate in the presidential campaign. There has been some speculation that the church was targeted because of her, but officials said they have no motive yet.
"At this point, there is no information that we have that even points in that direction," said James Steele, head of the Central Mat-Su Fire Department.
