Photo Set (above): Shows 4 photos by SReporter Scott Maben of the aftermath of the arson fire that destroyed St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry. There is also a photo of the fire consuming the building.

BONNERS FERRY – Arson destroyed St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry early Thursday and firefighters continued battling the blaze nearly 12 hours later. Investigators believe the arson may be related to vandalism that occurred to St. Ann’s and at least one other Bonners Ferry church earlier this year, said Bonners Ferry Police Chief Vic Watson. Watson said Thursday’s fire was set in at least three places in the church’s basement. A “person of interest” was arrested early this morning on an unrelated charge. Watson declined to detail what led to the person’s arrest. He estimated the loss at more than $1 million. “This is a terrible crime. … A church really grounds people to their community, it grounds people to their religion,” Watson said. “We hope they keep their faith strong”/Scott Maben, SR. More here.