Fire raging at historic Provo Tabernacle in Utah

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Firefighters are battling a raging blaze at the historic Provo Tabernacle in Utah. Officials say the roof of the gabled landmark collapsed about 6 a.m. Friday, some 3 1/2 hours after the blaze was reported. Fire Battalion Chief Gary Jolley tells the Daily Herald of Provo that crews have the fire contained but not controlled. Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield says there is serious structural damage to walls, peaks and gables of the building. He says firefighters expect to be battling the blaze all day. The history of the Mormon building dates to the 1880s. It was renovated in the 1980s. In an e-mail to The Associated Press, church spokesman Scott Trotter calls the fire tragic. He says the damage appears severe and that it’s unclear whether the building can be saved.

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