Fire struck Bloomington's First Christian Church just after 3 p.m. Wednesday, sending black smoke billowing over East Kirkwood Avenue that was visible from far away.
Max Litwin, Deputy Chief of the Bloomington Fire Department, said in a statement that the fire was extinguished and there were no injuries. He said the fire involved "roofing materials" on the top front of the building and that the cause is being investigated.
Volunteers with the Mobility Aids Lending Library — a nonprofit that donates mobility devices — were meeting in the basement when the fire started, according to Susan Seizer, co-president of the group.
Seizer said several volunteers were in a wheelchair storage room when a fire alarm went off.
"I'm in a wheelchair, so I had to take the elevator, which was a little scary because the building was on fire," Seizer said. "So I couldn't run up the stairs like they did."
Seizer said volunteers were able to exit the church safely.
The church's website said what used to be known as Kirkwood Avenue Christian Church burned to the ground in 1916 on New Year’s Eve. In 1919, a new church was dedicated and named First Christian Church of Bloomington.
"Over the years, the building has been through various renovations," the website says.
