Global Courant
A fire has scorched a nearly 100-year-old church in Watts for the second time in less than two years, sparking an arson investigation, authorities said.
The fire broke out in the shrine of St. John’s United Methodist Church around 6:50 p.m. and extended to the balcony, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Officials said it took 32 firefighters about 20 minutes to douse the flames at the two-story house of worship in the 1700 block of Santa Ana Boulevard. No injuries were reported.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire at the 2,000-square-foot church, said Brian Humphrey, a LAFD spokesman.
“It’s clearly a priority to be a house of worship,” Humphrey said. “The only thing that has more priority is fatal fires.”
Saturday’s fire occurred as St. John’s was undergoing extensive renovations after another fire damaged it about 16 months ago.
In February 2022, a fire broke out near the church and spread to the shrine. Photos taken in the aftermath show blackened walls and scorched prayer books.
Worshipers moved parking services after the fire, where they were still being held as of this weekend.
Built in the Spanish Colonial style with a red tile roof and beige exterior, the church celebrates 97 years of ministry in the Watts community, according to her. Facebook page.
Fire damage to St. John’s United Methodist Church in Watts
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