First Baptist Church Fire

At 11:18pm last night, Engine 2 was dispatched to the report of smoke in
the area of Central and Broadway. Engine 2 arrived and found moderate
smoke in First Baptist Church at 101 Broadway NE and called for a full
dispatch. E-2 was in the process of advancing a hose line when Lt. Paul
Chavez experienced smoke inhalation and was transported to Presbyterian
for evaluation and remained at the hospital overnight for observation.

The additional units arrived and found heavy smoke and flame throughout
the 4-story building. A 2nd Alarm was dispatched due to the heavy fire
involvement and size of the building. Seventy + fire fighters contained
the fire to the first three stories within two hours. Heavy smoke and
fire damage to three floors and minor smoke damage to the fourth.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by AFD and ATF.
Federal law requires ATF to investigate any Church damaged by fire.