Investigators looking into cause of overnight fire that destroyed Hutchinson church

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of an overnight fire that destroyed a church near downtown Hutchinson.

The Hutchinson News reports that crews battled the blaze until 4 a.m. on Friday at the Foundation of Life Church Ministries, also known as McGee Chapel.  A police officer on patrol spotted the fire in the second story shortly before midnight.

Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer says investigators from the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office were on the scene. Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were also asked to respond.

Church officials told investigators that the last time the building was occupied was Wednesday night.

The fire chief says they don’t know what may have started the fire.

Extensive damage was reported to the church and a nearby building.