Authorities in Los Angeles have launched an arson investigation after a fire destroyed a church that is nearly 100 years old for the second time within two years.
The Los Angeles Fire Department released a press release stating that flames started in the church’s sanctuary shortly before 7 pm on Saturday and quickly spread to a balcony.
The statement stated that it took more than 30 firefighters about 20 minutes for them to put out the fire at the Watts two-story church. There were no reported injuries.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the fire occurred while St. John’s underwent renovations after a previous fire in February 2022 caused major damages.
The Times reported that after the fire earlier, worshippers moved their services to the parking area, where they are still held this weekend.
According to its Facebook page, the church is celebrating 97-years of ministry within the Watts Community, south of Downtown LA. It was built in a Spanish Colonial style, with a beige exterior and terracotta roof.
