A Pikesville church was heavily damaged Monday morning after a fire ripped through its steeple.Firefighters were called around 9:45 a.m. to the St. Paul Praise and Worship Center in the 500 block of Reisterstown Road."Someone saw this early on. So, fortunately, someone was able to call this into 911," Baltimore County fire Lt. Twana Allen told 11 News.It was thanks to that initial call and the fast work of Baltimore County firefighters that the church is still standing."They got a good knock on it. They took care of it pretty quick," said John, a resident.The fire traveled fast to the top of the church steeple."They did have flames, they did call for a working fire, which is requesting more units on scene. It was contained to a first alarm, but with the addition of a working fire profile," Allen told 11 NewsCrews were able to knock down the flames before the fire reached the main chapel."I saw a whole lot of smoke coming out, and after that, when the fire trucks got here, I saw fire. I was like, 'That's crazy,'" said Delia Jackson, a witness.Once the flames were out, firefighters climbed multiple ladder trucks to start looking for hot spots. They could be seen chipping away at the steeple with pike poles and chainsaws.Community members said the church is also a food and clothing pantry and that it's now their turn to surround the church with support."It's a little upsetting, and I know this is a staple in this area. I'm sure they'll be able to rebuild, but it is sad," John told 11 News.The fire department is not sure whether the church was occupied at the time of the fire, but firefighters did not have to rescue anyone and no one was injured.
PIKESVILLE, Md. —
A Pikesville church was heavily damaged Monday morning after a fire ripped through its steeple.
Firefighters were called around 9:45 a.m. to the St. Paul Praise and Worship Center in the 500 block of Reisterstown Road.
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"Someone saw this early on. So, fortunately, someone was able to call this into 911," Baltimore County fire Lt. Twana Allen told 11 News.
It was thanks to that initial call and the fast work of Baltimore County firefighters that the church is still standing.
"They got a good knock on it. They took care of it pretty quick," said John, a resident.
The fire traveled fast to the top of the church steeple.
"They did have flames, they did call for a working fire, which is requesting more units on scene. It was contained to a first alarm, but with the addition of a working fire profile," Allen told 11 News
Crews were able to knock down the flames before the fire reached the main chapel.
"I saw a whole lot of smoke coming out, and after that, when the fire trucks got here, I saw fire. I was like, 'That's crazy,'" said Delia Jackson, a witness.
Once the flames were out, firefighters climbed multiple ladder trucks to start looking for hot spots. They could be seen chipping away at the steeple with pike poles and chainsaws.
Community members said the church is also a food and clothing pantry and that it's now their turn to surround the church with support.
"It's a little upsetting, and I know this is a staple in this area. I'm sure they'll be able to rebuild, but it is sad," John told 11 News.
The fire department is not sure whether the church was occupied at the time of the fire, but firefighters did not have to rescue anyone and no one was injured.
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Crews are now using a chainsaw to get to hotspots inside the steeple. The fire traveled up, but it does not appear to have reached the sanctuary - according to @BaltCoFire. @wbaltv11 pic.twitter.com/vHmDPJ4j1e
— Tommie Clark (@TommieClarkWBAL) October 14, 2024
This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Breaking: @BaltCoFire putting out a fire at a church on Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville. Avoid the area - Milford Mill to Maryland Ave. is completely blocked off. Buses and some traffic at a stand still. PIO says no injuries reported. We are live at noon. @wbaltv11 pic.twitter.com/8AYMuf2UD3
— Tommie Clark (@TommieClarkWBAL) October 14, 2024
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