Fire breaks out in Kensington church overnight, nearby residents evacuated
Huge Kensington church fire prompts nearby resident evacuations
Several homes near the church were evacuated and the Red Cross is assisting those residents.
PHILADELPHIA - Fire crews in Philadelphia battled a three-alarm fire at a church in Kensington early Friday morning.
It happened at the Greater Church of Philadelphia on Allegheny Avenue near Emerald Street.
The fire has since been placed under control. No injuries to and civilians or firefighters have been reported.
Fire rips through Kensington church overnight, neighboring residents evacuated
A three-alarm fire ripped through a Kensington church overnight, prompting the evacuation of some residents in the area.
What we know:
Officials say the fire broke out around 1 a.m. Friday morning and quickly reached three alarms.
About 100 firefighters responded to the scene to put the fire out, and it was placed under control a few hours later.
Firefighters say multiple areas of the building, which was constructed in 1884, collapsed during the fire.
Firefighters on scene explained that the firefight was complicated by the amount of lumber used to build the church.
Eight homes near the church were evacuated and the Red Cross was assisting those residents.
What's next:
Fire officials say they are investigating the cause of the fire.
Crews are also working to ensure residents can safely return to their homes.