Spokane Baptist Church damaged in fire

The Spokane Baptist Church was heavily damaged by a two-alarm fire early Thursday morning.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to the church at 12817 E. Broadway just after 3 a.m. Thursday to find heavy smoke and fire at the back of the building, according to a fire department press release.

A second alarm was called due to the rapid spread of the fire. Crews were able to keep the fire out of the sanctuary, but the roof, meeting room and Sunday school area were heavily damaged, the press release said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious.