On Monday, September 7, 2020, the Unified Fire Authority for Eagle Mountain received an alarm to the church building at 1330 E IRA Hodges Scenic Parkway in Eagle Mountain. Apparatus ME251 responded with lights and sirens to the alarm and arrived on the scene in less than 4 minutes. Captain Jared Norton recorded the following narrative. “ME 251 arrived at the address with SO already on scene. light smoke in the building and burned items in multiple places in the building. UFA investigator was called and the scene was turned over to him. ME 251 cleared.”
I made a GRAMA request to the Utah County Sheriffs’ office to get a copy of the incident report from them. Diane Cruz, ACP, Utah County Sheriff – Records Division, responded with the following, “… once the report is completed if it results in charges for arson, the records will remain protected until such time as those charges are resolved (meaning the accused is sentenced or the case is dismissed). For the moment, the release will not occur due to the report being in draft format, which is protected under Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act. Please see Utah Code Section 63G-2-305(22). On that basis, your request is denied.” After asking them for more details on the incident and not the official incident report, they responded with this. “The detective authorized me to release the synopsis of the case to you.” Here is the case synopsis:
“On 9-7-2020 I responded to arson in Eagle Mountain. Upon arrival, I determined someone had entered a church and committed multiple acts of property damage, and burned a songbook. The individual had placed the burning book on the pulpit and left the property. Forensics photographed the scene and took multiple items as evidence. The scene was processed for fingerprints. Fire investigations conducted a separate investigation.”
The Unified Fire Authority released the investigation report to cedarvalleysentinel.com after a GRAMA request. The report was done by the U.S. Department of Justice specifically the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. An ATF Special Agent and Certified Fire Investigator Candidate assisted with the fire examination at the Church. The investigation report contains the following narrative.
“On September 7, 2020 at approximately 9:31 AM, CFI-C Olson was notified by Unified Fire Authority (UFA) Investigator Seve Bowen about a fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) located at 1330 E Ira HOdges Scenic Parkway, Eagle Mountain, Utah. Investigator Bowen reported that there had been vandalism inside the church and the pulpit had fire damage. CFI-C Olson responded to the scne to assit with the investigation.”
Several pictures were included of the fire damage along with some pictures of vandalism that was done in one of the rooms in the church.
The report continues with this conclusion:
Based upon the information available at the time of this investigation including evidence left at the scene, fire patterns, and fire dynamics, investigators determined the area of origin to be the hymnbook from the piano in the Young Women’s room. The hymnbook was moved from this location to the pulpit in the chapel.
Based upon the evidence recovered at the scene, witness statements, knowledge of fire patterns, and fire dynamics, investigators have concluded that the fire began with huma nhands, used a transient ignition source, consiting of an open flame, and applied it to avialable combustible materials.
This fire is classified as Incendiary.
The investigation is open.
The report also indicates that a list of devices that had connected to the Church WiFi were given to the investigators. “Investigators are attempting to identify the owenr of the MAP/IP addresses to assit in the invstigation.” To help assist in the investigation they collected “prints from the window and collected the poster for further examination. CSI Bross collected the markers found scattered in the west side halway. CSI Bross also collected the hymnbook.”
Do you have any info?
If you have any information that may help the Sheriff’s department, please contact them with the information. Help keep Eagle Mountain a safe and rural community.
Additional Resources
KSL Article
UFA Fire Incident Report 2020-0900925 – 000
Report from ATF on Fire
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.