Fire damage to church in Highlands estimated at $50,000

Damage to the Community of Christ Church in a Tuesday afternoon fire has been estimated at about $50,000, according to Renton's fire chief.

Investigators also ruled the fire was accidental, starting when sparks from a welder's torch ignited juniper bushes next to the church, said Fire Chief Mark Peterson.

The church had hired the contractor to replace the roof and remove an old boiler; work had just begun, according to Nanette Sargeant, a church co-pastor. A workman called 911, she said.

The cedar-shake siding and roof were damaged. Wallboard in the smoke-damaged sanctuary was removed so that fire crews could check for any interior fire. There was dust on the organ and pews.

This Sunday, the congregation was already planning a picnic at Kiwanis Park, but Sargeant said the hope is to have the church cleaned up for the following Sunday's service.

The church is also home to the Highland's Preschool, which didn't suffer any damage, said its administrator, Karen Beckman. Its play area outside wasn?t damage.

The preschool is not in session during the summer, but Beckman said school will open on time in September.

Four agencies ? Renton, Tukwila, Kent and Eastside Fire and Rescue ? responded to the commercial-alarm fire at about 2:45 p.m. at 701 Monroe Ave. N.E. No one was injured and no one was in the building at the time of the fire.

of the fire in the roof.

Peterson said that when operating welding and cutting equipment, ?make sure you are away from combustibles and have a fire extinguisher within close proximity.?

Contact Renton Reporter Reporter Dean Radford at dradford@rentonreporter.com or 1-425-255-3484 (ext 5150).

Source: http://feeds.soundpublishing.com/~r/rennews/~3/i6sRT1enPyU/218923991.html

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