On Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 10:50 PM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Dan McCarty, responded to a Structure Fire at 9757 Arleta Avenue in the Arleta area.

Fire resources responding to the incident found an outside fire on the property of the Arleta Assembly of God Church. Because of the quick response by fire personnel the fire was knocked down in only fifteen minutes and the damage to the property was limited to the door, under the eaves and one broken window. The pastor and some employees of the church were unaware that there was a fire on the property until the arrival of Fire personnel.

There were no injuries. Damage was estimated at $2,000 to the exterior of the structure. Pursuant of protocol, the regional 'House of Worship Arson Task Force' was deployed to the scene, and have declared the blaze to be arson. The incident remains an active investigation by the Task Force member agencies.

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Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department