According to a report from KMOV, a four-alarm fire tore through several structures in north St. Louis, Missouri, Wednesday night, destroying a historic church and releasing burning embers that spread to other structures.
St. Louis Fire Department (SLFD) crews arrived to the Rectory just before 11 p.m. to heavy flames that would quickly spread next door to the former St. Liborius Church. The church, built in 1889, recently had its interior converted into a skatepark.
The burning embers coming off the structures, combined with extremely dry conditions, led to possible fire spread.
SLFD Chief Dennis Jenkerson said the fire was a direct result of winds carrying the embers. He also said that one person was found inside the Rectory and removed to safety.
In addition to the church, a homeless shelter next door was saved by SLFD crews, but first needed to be evacuated.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
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