UPDATE: 1/1/2013, 2:23 p.m. – Prince George’s County fire investigators say the fire inside the First Wesleyan Church is not suspicious however they continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.
Fire officials say the church held a service that began at 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Partway through the service, the neighborhood lost power. Church members ended their service and left the building before power was restored.
The fire left the interior of the sanctuary charred and blackened. Fire crews were able to salvage a cross that adorned the alter, the fire department says.
OXON HILL, Md. – Officials say a two-alarm fire has heavily damaged a church in Oxon Hill.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire at First Wesleyan Church, 1801 Iverson St., in Oxon Hill, about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Officials say two interior areas of the one-story building were on fire and the blaze had extended into the roof.
The fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. There were no injuries.
The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department estimates the damage at more than $100,000.
Fire investigators notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives because the fire damaged a house of worship. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.
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