March 13--ADA -- Children in a church-based daycare safely escaped a fire this afternoon, as a police officer on patrol noticed smoke and helped them escape.
The fire rapidly ripped through the First United Methodist Church in downtown Ada, completely destroying the building.
Ada Police Chief Michael Harnishfeger said the officer on patrol noticed smoke coming out of a door at the church, 301 N. Main St., Ada, at 12:15 p.m. today. The officer ran into the church, which houses a day care, to notify the teachers and children, evacuating them.
No one was injured, Harnishfeger said.
The fire was largely extinguished by 2:30 p.m., although firefighters from multiple departments continued to work on hotspots inside.
Firefighters worked not only to try to knock the flames at the church but also to spray adjacent buildings and homes to prevent the ashes from catching any of the neighboring structures on fire.
Debris is spread over Main Street in front of the church. There's no word yet on what started the blaze.
Ada schools announced some afternoon buses leaving after school may be running behind due to the fire.
According to the church's website, the church first formed in 1852. It moved into the present location on Sunday, June 18, 1899. The church was recognized for its large stone structure with stained-glass windows.
Read more about this story in Wednesday's The Lima News. This story was first posted at 1:39 p.m. and updated at 2:09 p.m., 2:18 p.m. and 2:41 p.m.
Copyright 2012 - The Lima News, Ohio
