Fireworks caused St. Mary Magdalen fire

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - The Kentwood police chief said authorities have determined a blaze that devastated St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church was probably caused by fireworks.

St. Mary Magdalen burned in the early morning hours of Sunday. The fire started on the church's roof near it's rear. Much of the building was destroyed.

Chief Richard Mattice told 24 Hour News 8 on Tuesday evening that authorities from Kentwood PD, the Kentwood Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) ruled out every possible cause, including appliances on the roof, except for fireworks.

"We've assigned a detective to work with fire to conduct interviews and talk to potential witnesses," said Mattice. "We did receive some information that evening and we have made contacts and interviewed people at the scene and since that time."

Though it may be difficult to tie anyone to the fire, Michigan's new fireworks law made it a 5- to 15-year felony to cause a fire with fireworks that resulted in damage a building.

Anyone found guilty of starting a fire by using commercial-grade fireworks illegally and causing property damage or bodily injury may be subject to the following penalties, according to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act:

"When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks resulting in property damage, injury or death of another person, individuals are subject to being convicted of a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment (of not more than five to 15 years), and/or fines (ranging up to $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000), depending upon the severity of the crime."

Authorities are still asking anyone with information about the fire to contact Kentwood police at 616.698.6580 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

Parishioners brought their lawn chairs and their grief to the parking lot next to the burned out sanctuary for a Tuesday evening prayer service.

In the opening hymn, they sang of rising from the ashes and letting healing come to pain. That's what some of the still-shocked parishioners hoped would come of the prayer service.

"It's really sad, but the community's here tonight and we'll just pull together and we'll get through it," said parishioner Shawn Schaup. "There will be another church on this spot."

At the prayer service, parishioners reacted to the word that fireworks is now listed as the likely cause of the blaze that destroyed their church.

"It's a terrible thing," said Don Turnes. "But they made it legal. What can we say? Be careful."

"Just feel real sad for whoever caused it. I do," said Schaup. "I'm sure they did not intend this to happen, but it does. Things like this will happen."

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Beginning this weekend (July 7 and 8), the St. Mary Magdalen parish will celebrate Mass at East Kentwood High School Auditorium, according to the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Attendees should use Entrance K.

Mass will be offered on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Weekday morning Mass will be at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Breitenstein Center near the church.

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East Kentwood High School Auditorium
6230 Kalamazoo Avenue
Kentwood, MI