New Stake Center Near St. George Temple Destroyed By Fire

UPDATE: The St. George East Stake Presidency released the following updated to the cause of the fire, stating law officials in the area say, “We are treating it as a crime right now.” Reports also state the fire began outside on the exterior of the building, away from any source of electricity or heat. K-9 officers also sniffed the area and found evidence the fire was likely intentional.

A towering fire engulfed and destroyed a new stake center being built across from the St. George Utah Temple.

Fire crews arrived in the early hours of January 26 to try and battle the blaze. As of 7 a.m. they were working to ensure the fire was completely out. It has not been determined what started the fire. However, eyewitnesses say the fire seemed to start on the east side of the building, near the roof.

The St. George East Stake Presidency released a statement on social media about the fire.

“We were deeply saddened to have received a call at 2:30 am informing us that our new St. George East Stake Center was on fire. The building that we were so anticipating moving into over the next few months is gone. Those that were up watching it burn were stunned and in complete shock. Our faith is only strengthened as we work through this bump in the road.”

The stake center was to replace an older building, which housed 11 wards. Construction began in 2017 and was nearing completion before the fire destroyed it.

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