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Auburn church fire under investigation; began in trailer near building, ATF says

Fire burns Auburn church overnight

AUBURN, Wash. — A fire that broke out overnight at All Saints Lutheran Church along Military Road South in Auburn is under investigation, according to federal and local officials.

A viewer shared video of the flames with KIRO 7 shortly after midnight.

The video showed the church engulfed in fire.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said certified fire investigators are working with the King County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit to determine the cause.

Early findings indicate the fire started in a trailer parked near the church building.

King County Fire District 20, also known as Skyway Fire, confirmed that this was one of several structure fires in South King County on Sunday.

“It is another example of how mutual-aid between fire departments enhances service to our communities,” the department said in a social media post, thanking other agencies that responded.

The department also used the incident to raise awareness about the critical role of rehabilitation units as temperatures rise across the region.

“Fighting fire in the heat places additional physical strain on crews,” the agency said. “Prolonged exposure, heavy gear, and high humidity all increase the risk of heat-related illness.”

Rehab units, which offer a space for cooling off, hydration, and medical checks, help reduce the risk of serious medical issues like heat exhaustion and stroke.

Fire District 20 noted that while sprains, strains, and muscular injuries are still the most common injuries firefighters face, heat-related issues can often lead to more serious conditions, such as cardiac events, especially during summer months.

No injuries were reported in the Auburn fire as of Monday morning.

Investigators have not yet determined whether the fire was accidental or intentionally set.

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