Fire engulfs century-old Presbyterian church in Philadelphia
People pray as firefighters battle a blaze at a Presbyterian church in the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia
A fire that engulfed a West Philadelphia church has been brought under control, and no injuries have been reported.
The fire was reported at about 9 a.m. Monday at a Presbyterian church in the Overbrook neighborhood.
Television footage showed flames shooting from the church’s front door and side windows and heavy black smoke pouring from the roof.
About five congregations use the century-old church.
Fire department officials said the blaze apparently started in the basement, and crews tried to battle it there but had to retreat and focus on protecting houses behind the church.
Firefighters found one person on the second floor who didn’t know about the fire and got that person to safety.
The flames were declared under control just after 11 a.m. The cause remains under investigation.
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