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Downtown church catches fire. Lightning suspected (updated, 7 photos)

Flames could be seen coming from the steeple of St. Andrews Presbyterian

Flames could be seen coming from the steeple of St. Andrews Presbyterian this morning.

Firefighters are on scene. Two aerial trucks responded and doused the fire.

Emergency responders have closed down the intersection of Norfolk and Suffolk streets.

“We’ve been advised that the steeple was possibly hit by lightning,” Fire Chief John Osborne told GuelphToday.

“We’re presently trying to gain access from inside, but right now we’re trying to keep the fire (contained) in the steeple.”

Two aerial trucks are currently on the scene. However, the height of the steeple exceeds the trucks’ upper limit, Osborne said.

Water blasts from the aerial truck hoses and the fire itself have damaged some of the tiles on the steeple and the iconic weather vane collapsed.

Crews are working to douse the steeple and keep it cool until firefighters are able to gain inside access.

Presently, there are no public safety concerns and no injuries reported.

Will be updated . . .


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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