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Flames damage Phelps garage

Blaze remains under investigation; family member insists it's case of arson
8-3-08

Topeka firefighters were dispatched to Westboro Baptist Church, 3701 S.W. 12th St., at 1:05 a.m. A fence and garage were engulfed in flames.....

Fire crews reporting heavy fire on the exterior of the detached garage called for an additional engine and truck company.

Topeka fire marshal Greg Bailey said Saturday afternoon the cause of the fire hadn't been determined. Bailey said it didn't appear that accelerants were used to ignite the fire, but that the blaze remained under investigation.

"We won't rule anything out," he said.

Fire investigators said the flames originated outside the detached garage, near two large trash can totes. The fire destroyed both cans and their contents as flames spread to the exterior of the garage and an adjacent privacy fence, Bailey said........

Firefighters removed several of the Phelpses' anti-homosexual picketing signs from the garage as family members and neighbors watched.

Shortly afterward, family members began filming footage of the fire, taking photographs and documenting what occurred. Several carried signs as they watched.

Firefighters contained the fire to the outside of the garage. The department on Saturday afternoon estimated structural damage at $10,000, with no loss to the structure's contents.

Shirley L. Phelps-Roper said she thought the fire was intentionally set.

"None of what they do is going to stop us from delivering our message," Phelps-Roper said as she watched firefighters spray water on the garage.

Complete article here