RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — (UPDATE: 3:39 p.m.) Richmond Fire told 8News the first call for reports of a fire in a church under construction came in around 11:34 a.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene within four minutes.
Once crews arrived, heavy fire and smoke could be seen from inside the church. As firefighters worked to put out the blaze, they noticed the fire spread more than they expected, causing them to declare a second alarm almost immediately and the third alarm shortly afternoon.
Chesterfield and Henrico fire departments are helping Richmond by backfilling their fire stations.
The church had parts that were unharmed, however, some parts of the church were damaged. Crews were able to put out the blaze and through secondary searches, they did not find anyone inside.
Investigators are still on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. So, a police presence will remain at the scene, according to RFD. Authorities said it could be a week or longer to determine the cause.
Around 3:35 p.m., the fire was listed under control. Crews are waiting to find out if the building is stabilized enough to go back inside and investigate.
(UPDATE: 2:21 p.m.) — Firefighters with Richmond Fire have gotten the fire under control. Engines remain on scene as an investigation continues. Hull Street is closed in both directions along the 2600 and 2700 blocks.
(UPDATE: 12:35 p.m.) — Richmond Fire has upgraded the blaze to a three-alarm fire.
(ORIGINAL STORY: 12:25 p.m.) — The Richmond Fire Department responded to a fire that broke out at a vacant church on the 2700 block of Hull Street Sunday morning.
The two-alarm fire had multiple engines respond to the scene.
RFD reported no injuries or fatalities via their official Twitter account.
This is breaking news. Stay with 8News for updates.
