By Associated Press - Monday, August 19, 2019

AUBURN, N.Y. (AP) - An upstate New York church with historical ties to Harriet Tubman caught on fire during a storm.

Auburn Assistant Fire Chief Bill DiFabio says smoke and flames were seen pouring from the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church steeple in Auburn on Sunday.

The 19th century abolitionist leader had raised funds to build the church, which suffered some damage to the steeple. Tubman lived in the area after the Civil War.

Syracuse.com reports a neighbor called police to report seeing lightning strike the church. But investigators say they will investigate the exact cause of the fire.

Police say no injuries were reported.

The house of worship is one of three Harriet Tubman National Historical Park sites in the area.

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