KS Arson Investigators Probe Cause of Church Fire

The fire was reported by a passerby who notice flames coming out of a basement window of the Kansas City church early Sunday morning.

Jul. 7--An arson investigator was probing a fire that damaged a church early Sunday in Kansas City, Kansas. The fire was reported about 1:50 a.m. after a passerby noticed flames coming out of the basement of the Wyandotte Tabernacle church at 1229 South 59th Street, according to police.

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Arriving fire crews found the church engulfed in flames. Flames were venting from the roof as firefighters attacked the blaze, according to Assistant Fire Chief Morris Letcher of the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department.

The roof partly collapsed and firefighters went into defensive mode. More crews were called to the scene to extinguish the fire. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospitals.

A fire department arson investigator responded to the scene.

Kansas City, Kansas, police said the fire department was taking charge of the investigation.

The investigation continued Sunday, Letcher said. Damages were being assessed.

___ (c)2019 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.)

Visit The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com

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