Arson Maybe to Blame for Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store Fire

It is anticipated that the main sales area of the building will reopen within the next few days.

A three alarm fire that gutted part of the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store early Wednesday morning may have been intentionally set.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A three alarm fire that gutted part of the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store early Wednesday morning may have been intentionally set.

Salem police along with the Salem fire department are still investigating the cause of the fire, which was discovered by a railroad train engineer who noticed flames showing on the west side of the building.

Police are waiting for laboratory analysis of evidence collected, however, there were indications the fire may have been deliberately set.

The majority of fire damage was limited to the center area of the building and did not involve the main sales area of the business. Fire damage to the structure is estimated at $100,000 to $200,000 and it is anticipated that the main sales area of the building will reopen within the next few days.

Anyone with information concerning the fire is asked to contact Salem Police Detective Adam Bello at (503)540-2355.

Source: Salem Police Department

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