VIDEO: Lightning Suspected in Saint Paul Church Steeple Fire
A church steeple caught fire late Thursday afternoon in Saint Paul, prompting a large fire response and surrounding street closures.
Fire crews were dispatched just before 5:30 p.m. to the 500 block of Farrington Street after getting reports of fire coming from the church. While en route, firefighters reported seeing tall flames shooting from the building’s steeple.
Crews quickly extinguished the fire and searched the interior to confirm that everyone had safely evacuated. According to initial reports, the fire did not extend beyond the steeple into the main structure of the church.
YOUTUBE: Lightning Suspected in Historic Steeple Fire
No injuries were reported, but officials say the steeple now appears structurally unstable. The Department of Safety and Inspections was called to evaluate the damage and has closed the surrounding sidewalks and streets as a precaution. Barricades will remain in place until a full assessment of the structure’s stability is completed.
While there is no significant fire damage inside the building, fire officials noted that the extent of interior water damage still needs to be evaluated. The official cause of the fire is under investigation. Early findings suggest a lightning strike may have been responsible.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the following areas while the assessment continues:
- Sherburne Avenue between Virginia Street and Farrington Street
- Farrington Street between Sherburne Avenue and Charles Avenue
No timeline has been provided for when the area might fully re-open.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the church was built in 1902 and originally founded as Trinity Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. It recently was listed as a dual-zone occupancy, owned by Church Inc., and fire officials said two adults were displaced from a basement residential unit. There were reportedly some church services still held inside the structure.
