ATF offers cash reward for information on Orem Utah Temple arson case

The ATF has determined the July 25 fire at the Orem Utah Temple was caused by arson and has offered a $5,000 cash reward. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released this image of the July 25, 2022, fire in a utility room on the third floor of the Orem Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Investigators have determined the fire was caused by arson and ATF has offered a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for what investigators now say is a case of arson at the under-construction Orem Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering up to $5,000 for information about the fire set inside the temple on July 25, according to an ATF news release.

Neighbors and motorists on I-15 and Geneva Road began calling 911 at about 11:10 p.m. with reports of smoke coming from the top floor of the temple, KSL reported.

Fire breaks out inside Orem Latter-day Saint temple

“Foam was used to extinguish the fire as much as possible, which limited water damage to the construction site,” church spokesman Doug Andersen said at the time, noting that the fire broke out on the temple’s third floor. “The church is grateful to the Orem Fire Department for their quick response.”

Orem Fire Battalion Chief Shaun Hirst said in July that crews found “very light smoke” and “minimal” fire activity in a utility room on the third floor. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Orem Fire received assistance from the State Fire Marshal, the Utah County Fire Department and Orem police.

Church officials also requested ATF assistance.

The church declined to say how much damage was done to the temple. A church spokesman did issue a statement about trending attacks on worship sites.

“In recent years there has been an unfortunate worldwide increase of violence, vandalism and desecration of religious sites and buildings, including shootings, arson, graffiti, damage to facilities and more,” church spokesman Doug Andersen said. “This has also affected chapels and temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such sites are places of gathering and sacred worship, and should be places of peace and safety. We are grateful for the efforts of local and federal law enforcement officials to investigate such instances and prosecute those who engage in those actions.”

Orem Utah Temple to become a defining beacon of peace, leaders say at Saturday groundbreaking

Construction began on the temple at 1471 S. Geneva Road after a ceremonial groundbreaking on Sept. 5, 2020. The temple is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.

Tipsters should contact the ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Orem Police Department at (801) 229-7070. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

The Orem Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is seen under construction on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Four days later, an arson fire was set inside the building. The ATF is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Ground is broken for the Orem Utah Temple in Orem on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020.

Investigators say July fire at Orem Utah Temple was arson, ATF offers cash reward for information

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had requested the ATF’s help in investigating the fire’s cause.