Updated: LAFD investigating reported arson at Westwood Hills Christian Church

As Sunday service commenced in Westwood Hills Christian Church earlier this week, two pews remained empty. The roped-off benches were black and charred as a result of a reported arson that torched parts of the sanctuary on June 15. 

At about 9 p.m. on the night of the fire, two members of the congregation, who are also on staff at UCLA, noticed that the church’s door was ajar and saw smoke coming from inside, said senior minister Perry Fuller. 

Firefighters quickly put out the flames. Authorities say the fire was purposefully set in the church that has stood on the corner of Le Conte Avenue and Hilgard Avenue for 61 years, according to LAFD officials. 

“I was shocked when I got the call,” Fuller said. About three fire trucks and several police cars lined the front of the church when Fuller arrived at the scene. Because the fire was in a place of worship, an arson task force was called in as part of routine procedure, said Brian Humphrey, LAFD spokesman. The case is currently under investigation.

“It is very sad that someone would cause this damage,” Fuller said. “But it could have been a lot worse.”

Portions of the carpet and two pews were burned, costing around $5,000 in damage. The building was empty at the time of the fire and no one was injured, Humphrey said.

The fire’s resulting smoke lingered for days. As Fuller began last Sunday’s service he could hear coughing from churchgoers due to the smoke.

Despite recent events, Fuller said he was determined to continue the routine Sunday service, which the church has yet to skip once. 

“We will carry on, business as usual,” Fuller said. 

Meanwhile, investigation for the arson will continue, Humphrey said.

Compiled by Erin Donnelly, Bruin senior staff.