FBI investigates arson at Lebanon pregnancy center

   LEBANON — Authorities have determined that a fire early Sept. 10 at the Pregnancy Alter-natives Center, a Christian pro-life counseling facility at 136 W. Vine St., was deliberately set, and the FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the persons responsible.
    However, the exact cause of the fire that caused heavy damage to the front entrance, attic and roof of the building has not been released.
    The FBI has joined the investigation, in addition to Lebanon Police and the Oregon State Police, the Oregon Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Federal authorities are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of whoever set the fire.
    As reported by the Lebanon Express newspaper and The Oregonian, crews from the Lebanon Fire District responded at 5:52 a.m. to a report of a structure fire. Upon arriving, they observed smoke and fire showing from the roof and a window.
    The building was unoccupied at the time.
    The Albany, Sweet Home, Brownsville and Scio fire departments also assisted. One firefighter received a leg injury while battling the blaze and was transported to Lebanon Community Hospital for treatment.
    The Pregnancy Alternatives Center provides free information, baby items and medical services to pregnant women.
    FBI and Lebanon Police are investigating potential motives, including whether the arsonist mistakenly thought that the clinic provides abortion services, or whether the clinic was hit because it counsels against abortion.
Anyone with information is asked to phone the FBI in Eugene at 541-343-5222 during normal business hours, the FBI in Portland at 503-224-4181 at any time of day, or the Lebanon Police Department at 541-258-4319.