BRAINERD FIRE DESTROYS OLD CHURCH

So far, State Fire Marshall Mark Germain believes the fire that destroyed the old Nazarene Church in Northeast Brainerd on Thanksgiving was not intentionally set. Germain told the Brainerd Dispatch he hasn't been able to determine the exact cause of the fire yet because the area he needs to investigate is not safe to be in. Germain said the fire started Thursday morning on Fourth Avenue Northeast, was put out, then reignited later that night. The old church had been remodeled into seven apartments and all residents got out of the building safely. The owner was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The building was a total loss.