In a devastating incident on Sunday morning, a three-alarm fire broke out at the Word & Spirit Church in Northeast Portland, resulting in the loss of two lives. The fire, which began in the church's gymnasium, quickly spread to a neighboring residential home on Northeast 62nd Avenue near Sandy Boulevard.

Members of the community promptly alerted Portland Fire and Rescue, who responded to the emergency call at approximately 4:30 a.m. The department shared updates on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that firefighters initially faced challenges battling the flames as a section of the church structure collapsed. However, their heroic efforts managed to save the sanctuary from complete destruction.

Fortunately, residents of the neighboring home were able to escape safely before the fire engulfed their property. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are uncertain if the incident is somehow linked to the severe storm that occurred over the weekend in the Portland area.

It is important to note that this tragic event coincides with at least two other reported fatalities within the region. These deaths resulted from trees falling on homes due to the intense weather conditions. Additionally, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner has confirmed an ongoing investigation into another death potentially connected to hypothermia.

As the investigation continues into the cause of the church fire, the affected community mourns the loss of two lives and comes together to support those impacted by this tragic event.