A late-morning fire ripped through a multicultural community center and Ethiopian church on the 3200 block of 144th Street West in Rosemount on Monday, tearing open the roof and sending crews scrambling to contain the flames. Firefighters from Rosemount and neighboring departments rushed in after a call just before 11 a.m., and police told reporters they believe the building was empty at the time. Neighbors looked on from a distance as crews worked to keep the blaze from spreading and to stabilize what was left of the structure.
Fire Response On 144th Street West
Multiple agencies, including Rosemount and Apple Valley firefighters, converged on the scene after the blaze was reported around 10:46 a.m., according to FOX 9. Aerial footage showed extensive damage to the roof, and officials on scene indicated the structure appears to be a total loss. Police set up a staging area nearby and urged the public to steer clear while fire crews attacked the flames and watched for flare ups.
Church, Community Center And Its Role
Local police and the congregation's Facebook page identify the property as Minnesota Debre Bisrat St. Gabriel and St. Arsema Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which previously operated as Lighthouse Church, according to CBS Minnesota. Authorities said they believed the building was unoccupied when the fire started and were working to make sure no one remained inside. The site has served as both a church and a multicultural gathering space, hosting Ethiopian community functions and other events.
Damage, Cause And Next Steps
Sky footage showed the roof heavily damaged, and reporters at the scene described the interior as likely a total loss. Officials have not released any information on what sparked the blaze, and investigators are expected to examine where and how it began, FOX 9 reported. Fire crews remained focused on knocking down hot spots while officers guarded the perimeter for public safety and to preserve the scene for the investigation. City officials said additional details will be shared as they become available.
What Residents Need To Know
Police asked people to continue avoiding the area around the church while response and cleanup work continues. No injuries had been reported as of Monday, according to CBS Minnesota. Residents with questions about road closures or safety are being urged to follow official channels from the City of Rosemount and Rosemount police for the latest information. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
