12 People Evacuated Safely During Phoenix Church Fire On Tuesday

PHOENIX, AZ —Phoenix Fire Department crews were able to safely evacuate 12 people during a Tuesday morning fire at a downtown church, according to the PFD.

One person was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation from the blaze, which the Arizona Republic reported took place at around 4 a.m. at the Grace Pointe Church, located near 3rd Street and McDowell Road. CBS 5 reported that the church also serves as a homeless shelter.

The PFD said the fire was a first-alarm emergency due to the amount of flames and smoke. The designation meant additional firefighters and trucks were needed at the scene.

The Arizona Republic reported that fire crews arrived at the scene to find the flames and smoke coming from the building's roof. While fighting the fire, crews discovered that the roof had partially collapsed, according to CBS 5.

It took fire crews about an hour to get the fire under control, the Arizona Republic reported.

CBS 5 said the PFD continues to investigate the cause of the blaze.