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2 Families Safe After Church Catches Fire In Moorhead

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Two families are safe after a church where they lived caught fire in Moorhead, Minn. early Monday morning.

Firefighters were called around 5:30 a.m. to a fire at the Moorhead Baptist Church in the 500 block of Highway 75 North.

According to authorities, firefighters believe the fire started in the center of the building and moved into the attic space.

Crews were fighting flames in the center of the building, working to prevent flames from moving to either side.

Moorhead Fire Department officials said they believe the fire was burning in the attic for a while before crews were called to the scene.

The pastor and assistant pastor of the church, and their families, lived in a wing of the church.

Both families, 12 people in total, were inside when the fire started but were able to get out safely.

A Code Red alert was issued for the neighborhood, including the Regal Estates Mobile Home Park, due to heavy smoke in the area.

Officials said church members were informed and are staying positive.

Fargo Fire crews, Moorhead Police, the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Red Cross and Salvation Army all offered assistance.

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