Historic Oregon Church Destroyed by Fire – Was Victim of Earlier Blaze in July

This time, whoever set a suspicious fire in Arlington, OR, succeeded in destroying a historic building.

Not only are Gilliam County Sheriffs involved in the investigation, but  are Oregon State Patrol Arson and Alcohol Unit, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Gilliam County officials received a report just after 4:30 am Tuesday morning of a fire at the Church of the Nazarine in Arlington.   Firefighters from Condon, Boardman, Arlington and Sherman County responded with at least four firetrucks and 20 firefighters to try to beat back the blaze.

Unfortunately, the building was severely damaged and is being called a total loss.  The historic structure is believed to have been built in the 1890's and is considered the oldest building in the city and surrounding area.

The church was already being repaired from another fire that occurred at the site on July 9th of this year.   Officials said that fire was also considered suspicious.  It's not yet known if these two fires are related.  Investigators have not yet officially said this latest blaze was arson.