DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - The Latest on fire that destroyed a historic synagogue in Minnesota (all times local):
6 p.m.
Authorities say a preliminary investigation has found no signs of accelerants at a fire that destroyed a historic synagogue in northern Minnesota.
But Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said Monday that further investigation will have to be done once the building is stabilized.
Firefighters responded to the fire at the Adas Israel Congregation in downtown Duluth about 2 a.m. Monday.
Minnesota Public Radio News reports authorities say they have some idea where the fire began. But Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken told reporters “we don’t have enough facts right now for us to be absolutely sure that happened.”
Two investigators have been assigned from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is standard when fires break out in places of worship.
Authorities say eight of 14 Torah scrolls stored in the synagogue were saved.
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10:50 a.m.
Fire officials say a blaze has gutted a historic synagogue in a Minnesota city.
Firefighters responded to the fire at the Adas Israel Congregation in downtown Duluth about 2 a.m. Monday.
All that is left among the charred remains are the remnants of some structural walls. Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Brent Consie says it “is pretty much a total loss.”
Officials haven’t provided information on the cause of the blaze.
Authorities say one firefighter who was struck by falling debris was taken to a hospital, treated and released.
According to its website, the Adas Israel Congregation is an Orthodox/High Conservative Jewish congregation with a membership of 75 people.
Construction of the synagogue was completed in 1902.
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This story has been corrected to show Duluth is in Minnesota, not Wisconsin.
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