FBI Looking Into Fire at OC Jewish Temple [UPDATED]
The FBI is looking into a fire that burned for nearly an hour in one of Orange County’s largest Jewish temples this morning.
The fire was reported inside a structure at Temple Beth Sholom at 2625 N. Tustin Ave. in Santa Ana at 6:08 a.m., City News Service reported. Firefighters had the flames under control by 7 a.m.
An FBI spokeswoman in L.A. told City News Service they were looking into the initial report, as the FBI usually investigates fires at religious establishments.
The temple is the oldest Jewish temple in Orange County, founded in 1943, according to the temple's website. It moved to its current location in 1983.
UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: The FBI says they will no longer be looking into the fire, City News Service reported. An FBI spokeswoman said the O.C. Fire Authority will handle the investigation. The president of the temple, Lynn Matassarin, said via email that the fire took place in the temple's kitchen and that all temple events have been cancelled or postponed.