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Firefighters from multiple agencies were called shortly after 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 to the Clearfield Bible Church in Westminster, where there was a reported fire that was discovered by an employee inside the building who was working in a basement office and was able to escape safely.
Upon arrival, first responders were met by flames and smoke showing from the brick building, which was fully engulfed, leading to a second alarm.
Crews from Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, and York counties all were called to help knock down the flames.
A member of the Reese Volunteer Fire Company was evacuated from the building when the roof began to collapse, while others battled the fire from the outside using multiple aerial units, officials said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though there is no evidence of criminal or suspicious activity. Investigators noted that accidental causes, including an electrical failure, are possible.
The church suffered a complete roof collapse, as well as several exterior brick walls.
Crews were at the scene for several hours until the fire was under control, and officials say that a local resident was key in helping them remove heavy debris at the scene, aiding the investigation.
One firefighter suffered a life-threatening medical emergency and was taken by paramedics to an area hospital.
The fire remains under investigation.
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