Smoke billowed out of the top of Calgary’s First Baptist Church on 4 Street and 13 Avenue southwest Wednesday.
Officials say the fire started in the historic Manse building, which is a building next to the church. Decades ago, it was used as a residence for the pastor and is now used as a meeting place.
Many church staff were in a nearby building having a staff meeting at the time, when they first smelled the smoke.
When fire crews arrived they saw smoke and flames coming from the building.
Pastor Jonathon Shierman was in the staff meeting discussing plans for the week when the fire happened.
“It’s tragic. This building has been around for 110 years….it’s a lot of emotion you know. I’m so stunned I don’t even know what to say,” Shierman said.
Police blocked off traffic and crews continued to battle the fire into the afternoon.
Police said no one was in the building when firefighters conducted a search but the church next door had visitors who were evacuated from the building as a precaution.
The construction of the building hampered firefighting efforts as the fire was easily traveling between the floors, hidden behind walls and along joists.
Firefighters had to open up the walls in multiple areas inside the building to fight the fire.
Police continue to investigate what caused the fire but said there were no reports of any injuries.
This is the fifth fire in the church’s 127-year history.
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