Investigation into IL Church Fire Leads to Arson Arrest
By Ken DeCoster
Source Rockford Register Star, Ill.
ROCKFORD — A 28-year-old man is charged with setting three fires Wednesday evening, including the massive blaze that destroyed a vacant church building in the city's downtown.
Edward Wash was charged Friday with three counts of arson.
Wash was booked into the Winnebago County Jail and has a court appearance scheduled for Saturday.
Wednesday's fire gutted the former Rockford Masonic Cathedral, 607 Walnut St., and prompted the demolition of the 19th century structure.
About 30 firefighters battled smoke and flames for hours before wrecking crews were brought in.
The building most recently housed the Metro Christian Center but has been vacant for years.
Damage from the fire was estimated at $300,000 by the Rockford Fire Department.
Wash also is charged with setting fire to a building at 313 Seventh St. in the city's Midtown District and lighting a dumpster on fire at 125 S. Madison St.
Both of those fires were set after the church fire, authorities said.
No one was injured in any of the fires.
The Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Police and the local Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated the fires.
Ken DeCoster: [email protected]; @DeCosterKen
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