Fire destroys historic church in Palm Springs

A historic church building in Palm Springs wasdamaged today in a fire.

The two-alarm blaze was reported at 4:30 a.m. at the vacant CommunityChurch, 284 S. Cahuilla Road. Arriving firefighters saw flames coming throughthe roof near the center of the building, said Palm Springs Deputy Fire ChiefJim Webb.

Six engines, one truck, a breathing support unit and 36 personnel weresent to the blaze. Firefighters saved the northern part of the building, and noone was hurt, Webb said.

He said fire and police officials were investigating the cause of the fire.

The building was constructed in 1930 and designated a historic site bythe city in 1989, according to the city and real estate listings. It wasappraised for about $1 million by the county assessor, according to Webb.

South Cahuilla Road was closed between West Baristo and East Arenasroads due to the fire, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.