Earlier this month, just two days before the Independence Day parade, a parade float sponsored by the Imperial Court of AllAlaska was lost in a tragic fire. The fire was determined to have started in the garage and spread to the parade float which was being stored next to thegarage. The loss of both the homeowner’s property and the Imperial Court’s float is tragic.

The community upon hearing of the loss of allproperty, rallied by donating resources to the homeowners where the fire occurred and rallied to help in the rebuilding of the parade float by donating time and resources to that endeavor. The parade float was rebuilt in less than 48 hours and our church takes great pride in having had a hand in that rebuilding.The float went on to take first prize in the Independence Day parade.

As the weeks have passed since this fire occurred,it has been disappointing to see emails and internet postings referring to thecause of fire as arson and an act of hate against the LGBT community. It is NOT true that the Insurance Company’s Fire Inspector deemed the fire arson. The Anchorage Fire Department stated in their latest press release, “After examining the fire scene, it was confirmed that thefire originated in the detached garage then extended to both the float and thehouse.  Investigators were able to establish the area of origin. However, due to the extensive damage, they were unable to determine the point of origin and consequently the cause of the fire. At this time, the cause will be listed as undetermined.”

The Anchorage Fire Department has qualified, experienced investigators who have said they just don’t have enough facts and evidence to make a professional and honest ruling regarding this fire. As it is understood, there are particular nuances to this investigation which have not been made public.

What we do know is that someone reported, “an unknown white male who was observed in the area by awitness only moments before the fire was discovered.”

We knowthat Channel 11 reported that the owners of the home “are quick to say that the investigation is ongoing so at this time callingthis a “hate crime” is premature.”

Theinvestigation is still ongoing. The cause of the fire is listed as “undetermined.”

Could this be an act of arson? Absolutely. Are there any facts or evidence which point tothat possibility?  Not yet and perhaps not ever.

Could this be a hate crime? Absolutely. Are there any facts or evidence which point to that possibility? Not yet and perhaps not ever.

Perhaps more troubling is the idea that the only witness which could help shed light on this situation has allegedly/reportedly been unhelpful to the investigation.

Even more troubling than that are the reports from the LGBT Community attempting to quantify this tragedy as an act of arson and an act of hate without any facts or evidence.

This fire was put out almost one month ago, and today some still stoke the fires by spreading a statement which is not based on fact, nor is it based on evidence. The Butler's who were kind enough to "house" the float have extensive damage to their garage and property. We should continue seeking ways to help aid that family and perhaps focus on the good which is being done.

In thelong-term perhaps it would be better for our city and community to continue asking questions, continue seeking the truth, and make informed statements based on fact rather than to assume something criminal has occurred when thereis no criminal investigation at this time. The community should work to verify information before they share it or discuss it. In doing so, the community maintains its integrity and unity.