Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Thursday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

A large fire that severely damaged the roof and sanctuary of St. Joseph Catholic Church was caused by arson, Salem police said Thursday afternoon.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

The fire required dozens of firefighters from regional agencies to extinguish. Police arrested a suspect on suspicion of arson, while hundreds of people gathered in the rain for an outdoor mass at noon.

We have more on the fire and community response below.

Catch all of our latest reports on our website anytime.

St. Joseph’s congregation grieves, prays after arson damages Salem sanctuary
After an early morning five-alarm fire extensively damaged the St. Joseph church sanctuary, parishioners gathered in the rain outside for a noon mass Thursday. Police arrested a man on suspicion…
St. Joseph’s congregation grieves, prays after arson damages Salem sanctuary
After an early morning five-alarm fire extensively damaged the St. Joseph church sanctuary, parishioners gathered in the rain outside for a noon mass Thursday. Police arrested a man on suspicion…
Salem man accused of deliberately starting fire at St. Joseph Catholic Church
A man with a lengthy criminal history has been arrested on accusations of first-degree arson after police say he started a dumpster fire early Thursday morning that spread to the…
Salem man accused of deliberately starting fire at St. Joseph Catholic Church
A man with a lengthy criminal history has been arrested on accusations of first-degree arson after police say he started a dumpster fire early Thursday morning that spread to the…
PHOTOS: Worshippers gather after arson damages historic St. Joseph church
Parishioners turned out despite a rainy afternoon in a showing of faith and grief after a five-alarm fire caused severe damage to the St. Joseph Catholic Church sanctuary Thursday.
PHOTOS: Worshippers gather after arson damages historic St. Joseph church
Parishioners turned out despite a rainy afternoon in a showing of faith and grief after a five-alarm fire caused severe damage to the St. Joseph Catholic Church sanctuary Thursday.
UPDATE: Police search for patient who hijacked state hospital van
An Oregon State Hospital patient was taken to the emergency room Wednesday after a fight with another patient. When he was brought back in a van around 10:30 p.m., he…
UPDATE: Police search for patient who hijacked state hospital van
An Oregon State Hospital patient was taken to the emergency room Wednesday after a fight with another patient. When he was brought back in a van around 10:30 p.m., he…

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