Arlington Church Damaged In 2-Alarm Fire, No Injuries Reported

ARLINGTON, VA — A two-alarm fire broke out at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church on Glebe Rd. in Arlington early Friday morning, causing extensive smoke and water damage to part of the building.

The fire began in the attic above the music and education wing of the church. No one was in the building, and there were no injuries, Pastor Rev. Sarah Keeling said in a letter to the community.

Keeling said the church’s sanctuary and preschool wings were not damaged by the fire.

The Arlington County Fire Department said no firefighters were injured.

Fire units were dispatched at 2:42 a.m. First arriving units found fire coming through the roof on their arrival, an Arlington fire official said. The fire was quickly extinguished, he added.

Later in the morning, crews began the process of removing debris from the structure, located on N. Glebe Road, near the corner of 16th St. N. The county’s Fire Prevention Office also began its investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, the Arlington County Fire Department said in a tweet.

The fire marshal's office will remain on the scene to conduct its cause and origin investigation, the Arlington fire official said.

“Thanks to many firefighters and first responders from Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church, the fire has been extinguished,” Keeling wrote in her letter.

Keeling said the church does not plan to hold worship in the building Sunday morning. With the fire investigation ongoing, she asked church members not to enter the building until further notice.

Established in 1854, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church is Arlington's oldest church site in continuous use, according to the church's website. The first church building was completed around 1860, and the current building was constructed in 1948, NBC4 reported.

“We are beyond grateful that no one was injured and this was no worse than it is, but we still ask that you be in prayer for our community, clergy, and staff as we navigate the following days and weeks.,” Keeling said.