Shortly after 5:30 a.m. yesterday morning, June 24, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 responded to a fire at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale. While fighting the fire, two firefighters were injured and treated at a local hospital with burns and smoke inhalation. They were later released and are recovering from their injuries.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however the probable cause is natural (lightning strike). While the building was saved, damages are estimated at $1 million. Sedgwick County fire crews will remain on scene today to monitor the structure and continue the investigation.