Fire damages historic Provo Tabernacle in Utah
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Provo Fire Battalion Chief Roger Gourley watches as his firefighters battle a fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 in Provo, Utah. The historic tabernacle which is owned by the Mormon church and is used for religious services and community events was built in 1873. (AP Photo/George Frey)
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Julie Roper, right, comforts a bystander as they watch a fire gut the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 in Provo, Utah. The historic tabernacle which is owned by the Mormon church and is used for religious services and community events was built in 1873. (AP Photo/George Frey)
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Ice cicle's hang from the windows and walls after a fire gutted the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 in Provo, Utah. The historic tabernacle which is owned by the Mormon church and is used for religious services and community events was built in 1873. (AP Photo/George Frey)
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A Provo firefighter walks past a window as flames burn inside the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 in Provo, Utah. The historic tabernacle which is owned by the Mormon church and is used for religious services and community events was built in 1873. (AP Photo/George Frey)
PROVO, Utah — Firefighters are battling a blaze at the historic Provo Tabernacle in Utah.
Fire Battalion Chief Gary Jolley tells the Daily Herald of Provo that crews have the fire, which broke out early Friday, contained but not controlled.
The fire collapsed the roof of the gabled landmark. Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield says there is serious structural damage to walls, peaks and gables of the building.
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.
