The Fire
On the night of November 12, 2001, the old church of Södra Råda was completely destroyed in an arson attack. The church, a medieval wooden building from the 14th century, was known for its unique paintings and historical significance. The fire left nothing but ashes and charred remains, and the loss was enormous - not only for the local population but for the entire Swedish cultural heritage.
For a long time, the fire remained a mystery. The police had no leads, and the community and villagers were left in the dark. But almost three years later, there was an unexpected twist. During an interrogation in another case, a man spontaneously confessed to setting fire to the church. He described in detail his movements in the area and how the fire was set. His details were carefully examined and the police confirmed that they were consistent with the technical evidence.
The man was sentenced to forensic psychiatric care for aggravated arson. He was also ordered to pay SEK 468,000 in damages to the National Heritage Board for the damage he caused. But for those affected, it was little consolation.
For the community, Södra Råda Old Church was more than just a building. It was a link to history, a place for baptisms, weddings and funerals. Many people had memories of it, and the sense of loss was palpable. Even if justice was served, no judgment could replace what was lost.
Watch the movie to learn the story of the tragic fire - an event that changed Södra Råda forever.