On Thursday, January 21st, 2021 at 6:39 pm, the Newport Fire Department responded to a smoke alarm at the First Presbyterian Church in Newport at 227 NE 12th Street, First Presbyterian Church, Newport. When firefighters arrived, they found an active fire on the exterior of the building.

The fire was suspicious and is believed to have been purposely set by an unknown person(s). Potential evidence from the location was collected to be analyzed. The Arson investigation is ongoing. Members of the Lincoln County Fire Investigation Team responded and began investigating the cause of the fire. The team consist of members from Newport Fire, Newport Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshalls office.

The Newport Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they witness, as it may assist law enforcement. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or [email protected]

If you have any information regarding this case, contact Detective Mitchell of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348.