Idaho State Lds Center Heavily Damaged By Fire

A fire, discovered during a lightning storm, heavily damaged the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute on the Idaho State University campus.

The fire was spotted about 11 p.m. Tuesday and within minutes, the roof of the unfinished building fell into what will be the gymnasium.

Damage estimates were available but architect Jim Lystrup said the fire could set construction back three months. The institute, subject of two lawsuits trying to stop construction, was scheduled to open Sept. 24.

Fire Division Chief Richard Davies said: “This is not what we’d expect from a vandalism type of fire. Someone would have to get into the roof structure, and that’s not likely.”

The concrete and metal building was designed to withstand fire, said Roger Porter, LDS Institute director. The only wood was in the roof trusses.

“The only thing that could burn did,” Porter said.

The institute will remain in its Red Hill Road building until construction is complete on the new institute, he said.

About 40 minutes after the fire was spotted, a strong rain began to fall, which Davies said helped knock down the fire.

No serious injuries were reported. Davies said a couple of firefighters twisted their ankles.

The new LDS Institute has been controversial since it was first approved by the Idaho Board of Education two years ago.

Two lawsuits have been filed alleging that the institute violates the constitutional separation of church and state.