PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A massive fire ravaged a historic church in Brewerytown Monday night.
More than 70 firefighters were called to United Missionary Baptist Church, built in 1892, at the corner of 25th and Thompson streets, just after 7:30 p.m.
The fire was contained after about two hours. No one was inside and fire officials reported no injuries.
Officials say ice from the large volume of water used to extinguish the fire is weighing down power lines and forcing them to shut down power. That’s impacting up to a three-block radius, according to officials.
What caused the fire is not yet known.
A church spokesperson posted to Facebook around 8:40 p.m. saying the pastor and church officials are safe and "tending to this tragedy."
Stay with KYW as this story develops.