CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — An investigation is underway after St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande caught on fire Friday morning.
Casa Grande Fire Department said the fire started after midnight close to the west side of the church near the electronic and music area.
The department said the fire caused extensive damage to the main worship space including storage areas, hallways and the south pew area.
Angie Nava, a parishioner, said her niece lives close by and called 911 when she saw the fire.
"It was in flames, [my niece] said it was horrible," Nava said. "I can't believe this happened to our church."
"I was kind of hyperventilating in my bed," Fr. Ariel Lustan said describing how he felt when he got the call on the fire. "But I came here and immediately saw the fire trucks and all the brave men and women trying to put out the fire."
Lustan said despite the unexpected occurrence, the church will move forward and host services at their community center.
"Luckily, we have this community center to hold our masses, quinceañeras, weddings, funerals, confessions, so that will not change," Lustan said. "We will walk together. We will rise to the challenge and I believe in no time we are going back to the church."
The fire department said they are receiving federal assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) with the investigation and noted that they have no reason to believe foul play was involved.
CGFD said they received help from all utility companies and other agencies including the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and the Maricopa, Eloy, Gilbert and Gila River fire departments.
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