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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chevy Chase devastated by massive fire
Firefighters in Montgomery County worked for hours Monday to put out a massive blaze at a church in Chevy Chase. Smoke was visible high above the rooftops as crews tried to contain the flames and about 100 firefighters responded.
CHEVY CHASE, Md. - Firefighters in Montgomery County worked for hours Monday to put out a massive blaze at a church in Chevy Chase.
According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, most of the roof structure at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Western Avenue was consumed by the fire. D.C. Fire also responded to assist.
MCFRS Division Chief of Operations Charles Bailey said the fire appears to have started in an attic area of the church around 12:30 p.m. but it's not clear what caused it.
Bailey said there was significant damage to both the interior and the structure of the church. He added that there was a roof collapse that briefly trapped firefighters inside the church but they were all able to make it out safely and no serious injuries were reported.
Bailey said there was also concern that the steeple could collapse and an engineer was brought in to assess the structure.
"What is obvious is the roof assembly is significantly compromised and there’s probably a tremendous amount of water damage underneath. That’s not to say it can’t be rebuilt but obviously, it’s going to take some time. It’s going to be a setback for the community of people who go to church," Bailey said.
At least 100 firefighters responded to the scene. Smoke was visible high above the rooftops as crews tried to contain the flames.
Throughout the afternoon, neighbors were stopping by the church along with long-time church members.
"They started messages in the WhatsApp for members," one member of the congregation told FOX 5. "They were asking for prayers for our chapel. Most of our members are praying now."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.