This morning at 10:45 am firefighters were called to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church when the fire alarm activated and parishioners noticed smoke.  The church was quickly evacuated even though, the fire occurred during a busy Sunday morning service.

When firefighters from Station 10 (Burlingame) arrived they confirmed that everyone was safely out of the building and began searching for the fire.  Firefighters encountered thick black smoke, low visibility and high heat while inside the structure.  Fire commanders called for a second alarm as a precaution due to fire conditions and the size of the build.  Firefighters located the fire in a first floor game room and it was extinguished.

No injuries were associated with this fire.  Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire and to estimate damages.  Damage appears to be mainly confined to the game room and other areas of the church can still be occupied.

This press release will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

Contact info, for media use only:
Lt. Damon Simmons, Media Pager (503)940-6003