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Kailua church fire
was not caused
by accident

Officials blame $7,000 damage on vandals

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Star-Bulletin staff

A Saturday night fire at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church Kailua that caused $7,000 damage was deliberately set.

"All accidental causes have been eliminated," fire investigator Capt. Glenn Solem said.

Solem said oil from a wall-mounted candle lamp was dumped on straw from a Nativity scene and set on fire. The fire spread to the church altar.

A card table fronting the altar, floor tiles and drapes were damaged by the fire.

An employee, who had gone to the church at 93 N. Kainalu Drive at 7 p.m. Saturday to prepare for yesterday's service, reported the fire, preventing further damage.

Nothing was reported stolen, and officials are blaming the fire on vandals. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating the case with fire and police since a church is involved.