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SWAN VALLEY — Fire crews from across east Idaho remained on the scene of a massive fire Tuesday evening after flames ripped through a chapel belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The fire started just after 2 p.m. at the chapel located at 3109 Swan Valley Hwy.
Sharon Parry, a local public relations representative for the church, told EastIdahoNews.com the fire likely started in the attic. Firefighters had difficulty breaking into the roof to contain the fire.
One congregation meets there. The building is likely a total loss.
Nobody was injured in the blaze and firefighters from Swan Valley, Ririe, Idaho Falls, Ammon, the INL and Rexburg helped fight the fire.
Fire departments from throughout eastern Idaho were called to help put out the flames.
Merv Brown, a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesman, issued the following statement on the Swan Valley LDS Church fire:
“We are heartbroken about the fire that has destroyed the chapel in Swan Valley, Idaho. This building was constructed in 1949, and is the home to the Palisades Ward (congregation). Fire officials indicate it likely started in the attic and spread throughout the building. The cause of the fire will need to be determined by fire officials, and inquiries about the cause should be directed to them.”
