Investigators: Christmas lights likely sparked Eagan’s Grace Slavic Church fire; no injuries
Investigators say Christmas lights likely sparked the fire at Grace Slavic Church in Eagan, and no injuries were reported. The blaze left a hole in the roof, burned gutters and boarded windows while the sanctuary cross remained standing, prompting another church to offer space for Christmas gatherings and a GoFundMe that had raised about $3,700 as the congregation — known for hosting Operation Christmas Child drop‑offs and welcoming many Ukrainian immigrants — reels from the loss.
📌 Key Facts
- Investigators say Christmas lights likely sparked the fire at Grace Slavic Church (narrowing earlier descriptions of 'holiday decorations').
- No injuries were reported in the blaze.
- The building suffered significant exterior and roof damage — a hole in the roof, burned gutters and boarded windows — though the cross at the front of the sanctuary remains standing.
- The congregation and community were left heartbroken; another nearby church has offered space for Christmas gatherings.
- A GoFundMe to aid recovery had raised about $3,700 as of Saturday evening.
- Grace Slavic Church has served as a drop-off site for Operation Christmas Child and has welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants, underscoring its role in the community.
📊 Relevant Data
Minnesota has an estimated population of 18,024 residents of Ukrainian descent, representing 0.31% of the state's population as of 2025.
Ukrainian Population by State 2025 — World Population Review
More than 900 Ukrainians have arrived in Minnesota since March 2022 as of February 2023, fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians in Minnesota pay it forward one year after fleeing war — Sahan Journal
As of July 2024, people or groups in Minnesota have filed more than 7,100 applications to support Ukrainians through the Uniting for Ukraine program.
Ukrainians in Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Human Services
14.9% of Eagan, Minnesota's population is foreign-born according to 2019-2023 estimates.
U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Eagan city, Minnesota — U.S. Census Bureau
The percentage of White residents in Eagan, Minnesota, decreased from 81.5% in 2010 to 71.0% in the 2019-2023 period.
Eagan, Minnesota — Wikipedia
📰 Sources (2)
- Investigators specifically point to Christmas lights as the suspected cause (narrowing from prior 'holiday decorations').
- Community response: another church has offered space for Christmas gatherings; congregation expresses impact of the loss.
- Fundraising: a GoFundMe for recovery had raised about $3,700 as of Saturday evening.
- Facility details: hole in the roof, burned gutters, boarded windows; cross at the front of the sanctuary remains standing.
- Context: Grace Slavic Church has served as a drop‑off site for Operation Christmas Child and has welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants.