7:50 P.M. UPDATE: WDAY Radio News has learned that the fire is out.
Emergency Manager Brett Lambrecht confirmed that the fire has been extinguished.
6:10 P.M UPDATE: The Diocese of Fargo has confirmed the reports that a fire is being fought at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Hankinson.
Spokesman Paul Braun, in a statement, said firefighters are on the scene this afternoon at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Hankinson after a fire broke out in the west bell tower of the century-old church. The call came in around 4:30 this afternoon. The Hankinson Fire Department arrived on scene, and called in mutual aid from surrounding fire departments. It appears the fire may be spreading through the roof of the building as smoke was seen coming from the south end of the church over the sanctuary and sacristy, Braun said.
There is no indication of a cause for the blaze as of yet. There is no damage estimate as of yet as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
ORIGINAL STORY: (HANKINSON, ND) — A listener tip to the WDAY Radio Newsroom of a structure fire in Hankinson has been reported by Valley News Live.
According to the media outlet, it’s at the St. Phillips Catholic Church, which is located at 612 Main Avenue.
WDAY Radio News is working to independently verify the report and learn more information.
