HARWOOD, N.D. (KFGO) – A criminal investigation is underway into a fire that damaged the interior of Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church northwest of Fargo near Harwood.
Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner says someone passing by reported smoke coming from the church’s fellowship hall shortly after 8 a.m. Friday.
West Fargo Rural Fire Chief Steve Baron, who was first on the scene, says there was smoke inside the hall and a propane tank outside the historic church, next to the National Veteran’s Cemetary. There was charring on the siding on the exterior of the building.
Church board member Keith Monson, who’s family has been part of the congregation for five generations, says he has no idea why anyone would set fire to the church, one of the oldest in the state.
The sheriff’s dept., State Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating.
Harwood Fire-Rescue, the Mapleton Fire Dept, West Fargo Rural Fire Dept. and the West Fargo Fire Dept. arson investigation K9 responded to the scene.