VIDEO/PHOTOS: A Tacoma church sustained extensive damage in an overnight fire, emergency officials said.
Crews responded to the scene, the New Hope Baptist Church in the 5700 blk of East Portland Avenue, at around 11:45 p.m. Thursday.
The first firefighters on the scene found smoke and flames shooting from the roof of the church. The church's pastor, Rev. John Matthews, arrived at the scene and was in disbelief when he saw the flames and the damage.
They went on the attack quickly but the flames spread to the roof, which partially collapsed.
The fire was extinguished after about an hour. Officials say it appears the blaze started on the outside of the church and spread to the attic.