Overview
- Fire crews were dispatched around 4:10 p.m. Friday to Grace Slavic Church at 1985 Diffley Road after flames and smoke were seen through the roof.
- The incident was elevated to three alarms, with assistance from seven neighboring departments, according to Eagan officials and Fire Chief Hugo Searle.
- Two occupants escaped safely and no injuries have been reported, with firefighters conducting hotspot checks and overhaul into the evening.
- City officials say preliminary information points to Christmas decorations or lights, but the official cause and full extent of damage are still being determined.
- Congregants described extensive interior damage, another church offered space for holiday services, and a fundraising effort had raised about $3,700 by Saturday evening.