Gov. Palin's church damaged by arson

Nation & World News

Gov. Sarah Palin's home church was badly damaged by arson, leading the governor to apologize if the fire was connected to "undeserved negative attention" from her campaign as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's home church was badly damaged by arson. Damage to the Wasilla Bible Church was estimated at $1 million, authorities said Saturday.

No one was injured in the fire, which was set Friday night while a handful of people, including two children, were inside, according to Central Mat-Su Fire Chief James Steele.

The fire was set at the entrance of the church and moved inward. Outside temperatures were minus 20 as firefighters battled the blaze.

Palin apologized if the fire was connected to "undeserved negative attention" from her campaign as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

Investigators didn't know of any recent threats to the church.

The 1,000-member evangelical church is located about 40 miles north of Anchorage.

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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's home church was badly damaged by arson. Damage to the Wasilla Bible Church was estimated at $1 million, authorities said Saturday.

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