Burlington, IA – Safety concerns have delayed the investigation into a fire that destroyed a 118-year old church in Burlington.
ATF Special Agent, Robert Elder, says the fire did so much damage to the First United Methodist Church that no on has been able to enter the structure.
He says one wall will have to be torn down because it is unstable and could collapse.
Elder hopes investigators will be able to get inside, today, to start looking for clues concerning origin or cause.
More than 30 firefighters fought the fire at the First United Methodist Church.
At the same time, a burglary and the remains of a small fire were discovered at the First Presbyterian Church.
Burlington Police Lieutenant, Darren Grimshaw, says both churches are being investigated as separate incidents.
You can hear Tuesday's afternoon's news conference by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
*The two churches are less than one block apart.
The First Presbyterian Church is still considered a crime scene, though it has been released to church members.
*Some of the agencies investigating the fires include The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, The State Fire Marshall's Office, and the Burlington Fire and Police Departments.