ATF Offers $5,000 Reward in Loomis Church Fire

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the Nov. 6, 2007 fire at the United Church of Christ located at 6440 King Road, Loomis, Calif.

Shortly before 10 p.m. Nov. 6, 2007, the Loomis Fire Protection District responded to the church and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained during the suppression of the fire. The estimated loss is approximately $300,000 dollars. A scene investigation was conducted by ATF, the Loomis Fire Protection Service and the California Department of Forestry, State Fire Marshal's Office and a preliminary determination was made that the fire was incendiary in nature.

ATF, the Loomis Fire Protection Service, the California Department of Forestry - State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Placer County Sheriff's Department investigators are seeking information from the public that may assist them in solving the case.

"We are confident that someone knows who is responsible for this fire; we hope that person will do the right thing and step forward", said Chief Dave Wheeler of the Loomis Fire Protection District.

Anyone having information should call 1-888-ATF-FIRE.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating major fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF and its programs is at www.atf.gov.

    Contacts: Senior Special Agent Nina Delgadillo
    Public Information Officer
    Pager 888-416-4533

    Chief Dave Wheeler
    Loomis Fire Protection Service
    916-652-6813