Fire tears through Baptist church in Tacoma

TACOMA, Wash. — Firefighters had to race to save a South Sound church after fire broke out there late Thursday.

Crews from Tacoma Fire were called to the New Hope Baptist Church, in the 5700 block of East Portland Avenue, at 11:30 p.m.

Around midnight, crews transitioned to a defensive strategy, fighting the fire from the outside, as the flames spread through the attic space, resulting in a partial roof collapse.

A ladder truck was used to spray water from above as crews concentrated on the roof, where flames had broken through, leaving it gutted and charred.

By 12:30 a.m. Friday, the main fire had been knocked down, but several hours later, the fire continues to occupy a small crew who is focusing on putting out lingering hot spots.

The investigation into what caused the fire will begin once it’s safe to go inside during daylight hours.

The building has extensive damage.

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