SANCTUARY SAVED

Church Fire Cause Identified By Baltimore County Investigators

The cause of a church fire was announced by Baltimore County investigators. Flames damaged the steeple, but the sanctuary didn't burn.

The Baltimore County Fire Department announced Tuesday that an electrical malfunction caused Monday's blaze at St. Paul Praise and Worship Center, pictured above in Pikesville. (Courtesy of the Baltimore County Fire Department)

PIKESVILLE, MD — An electrical malfunction caused the fire at a Pikesville church, investigators announced Tuesday.

Officials said Monday's fire at St. Paul Praise and Worship Center started in an electrical junction box.

Firefighters said they were called to the church, located at 501 Reisterstown Road, at 9:47 a.m. and found flames visible on the first floor.

"Crews extinguished the fire on the first and second floors and found the fire had extended into the steeple of the church," the Baltimore County Fire Department said in a Tuesday press release. "Despite the challenging conditions posed by yesterday's strong winds, they managed to bring the situation under control. Once extinguished, fire crews found the doors to the worship area had been closed, preventing fire and smoke from damaging the sanctuary."

Nobody was hurt in the blaze.

"Electrical fires can grow quickly and spread out of control," the fire department said, urging residents to avoid:

• Incorrectly installed wiring
• Overloaded circuits and extension cords
• Defective or improper plugs, switches and outlets
• Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting

This map shows the church where the fire broke out.

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