For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Reward Offered in Bethlehem Church Fire
PHILADELPHIA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), partnered with the Bethlehem Police and Fire Departments, have announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest for the individual(s) responsible for the fire that occurred at the Iglesia Pentecoastal De Bethlehem Church (Pentecostal Church of Bethlehem), located at 1044 Pembroke Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
The fire was reported shortly after midnight on April 23, 2019. The fire reached two alarms however self-extinguished quickly. Heavy smoke was seen by first responders which was brought under control by the Bethlehem Fire Department. ATF Special Agents and Certified Fire Investigators also responded to the scene to assist with the fire investigation.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, the Bethlehem City Fire Marshall has determined the cause of the fire to be arson. Investigators have been able to determine an unknown person(s) entered the sanctuary area of the church and intentionally started the fire.
This investigation is being conducted jointly by the ATF Reading Field Office of the Philadelphia Field Division and the City of Bethlehem Police and Fire Departments.
Anyone having information about the fires listed above or the individuals involved, should call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473), the City of Bethlehem Police Department at 610-691-6660 or email: ATFTips@atf.gov (link sends e-mail). Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, or by visiting www.reportit.com, using the Philadelphia Field Division as the location.
ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov.
###
