By Sarah Roebuck
FireRescue1
CHEVY CHASE, Md. — A mayday was called when a roof collapsed during a church fire and briefly trapped several firefighters, NBC Washington reports.
The church in Chevy Chase caught fire Monday afternoon. Firefighters with D.C. Fire and EMS were called to assist Montgomery County Fire during the response.
The fire caused extensive damage to the church’s roof and gradually advanced towards the foundation of its steeple, threatening its stability and making it susceptible to collapsing, according to the report.
The roof collapsed and trapped an unknown number of D.C. firefighters. The firefighters were not injured during the incident.
Due to the interior collapse, a mayday was declared and all firefighters were accounted for, D.C. Fire said on X.
Officials said no firefighters or civilians were injured.
Update Church fire Western Ave. DC Box Alarm units were committed as the 2nd Alarm to Montgomery Co. Mayday was declared as result of interior collapse but all firefighters accounted for. This is now an exterior operation. @mcfrsPIO primary spokesperson for this incident. pic.twitter.com/AodTzjOA3H
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) November 20, 2023