Fire damages St. Luke’s

By Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Monday, November 19, 2012 1:27 PM MST


An early morning fire has caused considerable damage to the St. Luke’s Catholic Church on 15th Street.


(Use arrows above to view more photos)

The call came in shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday. When firefighters arrived on scene heavy smoke could be seen coming out of the roof towards the back of the church near Loretto Catholic School.

The DFD was able to use its newly purchased 100 foot aerial ladder fire truck for the first time to help combat the fire along with two other fire trucks.

Douglas’ Fire Chief Mario Novoa said the new ladder truck worked beautifully and helped them attack the blaze from a different angle.

Damage was contained to the pulpit area of the church and there is smoke, water and roof damage throughout the lobby and main chapel area.

The chief said the side chapel was not damaged however and the candles that had been lit were still burning when he walked through the building once the fire was out.

One firefighter was injured in the fire and was taken to Southeast Arizona Medical Center for treatment.

The 7 a.m. mass that was normally held at St. Luke’s was canceled.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials are saying it does not appear to be arson.

Copyright © 2013 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Fire Victim on 11th St wrote on Dec 20, 2012 1:45 PM:

    " When the fire at my house was put out my house had more water damage than fire damage. "

    Billy Johnson wrote on Dec 20, 2012 1:39 PM:

    " You can ha ha ha all you want but it is very obvious that this angry bird character has gotten everyone against each other, and its funny cuz the fire fighters are always talking about education this education that, but in the end this so called angry bird is making them flip out. So get your own conclusions and see whos on top of who. "

    Ha ha wrote on Dec 19, 2012 2:28 PM:

    " You all are funny... Wah wah wah.. He hit me, she looked at me funny.. That's what you all sound like. The truth does hurt, and in this case the truth is hurting the ones who don't want the truck in Douglas... You all make it painfully obvious with your dislike of the truck. Never mind the good that can come of it, the fires it can help put out, people it can save. Even if they just use the truck for parade, it is an inspiration to kids to want to have a respectfully career and not deal dope or use dope or live of the government like most in Douglas. "

    Sun Devil wrote on Dec 18, 2012 3:43 PM:

    " To Thanks DFD:

    Seems like u are also in favor of this one million dollar road block. "

    nohopeforthehumanrace wrote on Dec 18, 2012 3:19 PM:

    " Wow... Are you kidding me? Its disgusting how you all are arguing over a stupid truck. Why not talk about how corrupt Douglas is? Or all the crackheads/ dope dealers that are collecting welfare? Fire Department got a new truck.. So what?! Don't like the how run down the Bushmasters is? Grab some volunteers and make a fundraiser to fix it up! Get off your computers and make use of your poor pathetic lives... "

    Thanks DFD wrote on Dec 17, 2012 1:01 AM:

    " Wow it's unbelievable how people hide behind their computer to post rude comments. For what its worth Thank you Douglas Fire Department for helping when you are called. Hopefully you won't need to go help any of these rude people anytime soon. May God keep you safe!!! "

    TWR31 wrote on Dec 14, 2012 2:08 PM:

    " To Chuck Sanchez; Here is an interesting question for you. If the Bushmasters had a fire should the fire department use the new ladder truck to put it out? "

    Angry Bird wrote on Dec 14, 2012 11:49 AM:

    " You want to know that the difference is between me and all of you. I am not afraid to speak the truth or whatever is on my mind. TRUTH HURTS HUH??????

    THE TRUCK MUST GO LIKE PREVIOUSLY STATED LETS AUCTION IT AND USE THE MONEY RAISED TOWARDS A GOOD CAUSE. "

    Gummy Bear wrote on Dec 14, 2012 11:47 AM:

    " It would be an honor to drive that truck in the parade. "

    Tank Molina wrote on Dec 14, 2012 11:42 AM:

    " Lets face it the fire truck is joke people the majority of the time it is being used as a road block. "

    citizens of douglas wrote on Dec 13, 2012 2:30 PM:

    " Does the fire department need helpers or volunteers? just let us know we are ready. "

    Juan Montoya wrote on Dec 13, 2012 12:19 PM:

    " To Chuck Sanchez,
    Auction the ladder and fix the bushmasters?!? Are you kidding?

    The Bushmasters used to be a reputable Veterans club now its just the Oasis east. Bad management and bad bar managers have gutted that once great club.
    You would rather Douglas not have an awesome ladder truck and then use those funds to fix up a den for pirates and thieves? That's good comedy but don't quit your day job. "

    Rambo wrote on Dec 12, 2012 2:33 PM:

    " Who is the fire fighter that fell from the truck's ladder? Did he recover from injuries sustained? Any how, that's how the rumor has it, even way out here. "

    Taxpayer also wrote on Dec 11, 2012 6:59 PM:

    " TO ANGRY BIRD: Honestly, have a life, get a job, get off the welfare system. support yourself, and be man enough and place a name to ANGRY BIRD. Really what kind of a name is this to cover behind "Bird" or is it "The cowardly angry big bird". No one knows what a job is until you actually have one, to train, to have been educated, to have a sense of knowledge. Be grateful that you have what you have. It is commom sense. Try being happy Bird...... "

    Juan Jones wrote on Dec 11, 2012 4:42 PM:

    " I wonder when the truck will be auctioned? "

    Mando Soto wrote on Dec 11, 2012 4:31 PM:

    " Stop arguing it is obvious that the fire fighters are angry over these comments and they are the ones replying under angry cat and other names. We all know the fire truck is only good to ride in parades so lets just stop arguing. "

    Juan Castillo De La Cruz wrote on Dec 11, 2012 4:20 PM:

    " To angry cat and others seems like Mr. Angry bird is saying nothing but the truth and its obvious that it hurts. Stop trying to intimidate him or blast him because he is only speaking the truth. "

    Angry Bird wrote on Dec 11, 2012 2:11 PM:

    " Thank you for your apology I appreciate you backing down and realizing you were extremely rude to me. And believe me I do not want to argue with someone arrogant and rude like you. And maybe you need to come to town so you can see what a joke that fire truck is. Oh one last thing make sure you come on a weekend that we have a parade cuz other than that you wont see that moving playground. AND TO ANGRY CAT GUESS WHAT IM NOT EVEN GNA ARGUE WITH YOU BECAUSE WE BOTH KNOW WHAT A JOKE THAT TRUCK IS SO STOP TRYING TO BE THE HERO AND BLASTING ME WITH YOUR NONSENSE. "

    Angry Cat wrote on Dec 10, 2012 11:47 PM:

    " The Truck stays, enough said. get used to it or move out.... your choice. "

    To Angry Bird wrote on Dec 10, 2012 6:54 PM:

    " First off, I wasn't trying to sound arrogant and "intimidating." If I came off that way, I apologize. Second, I haven't seen it now, but from what I hear, St Lukes caught fire, it didn't burn down. The cell phone picture I received shows it still standing, but a little charred in the back. Next from what I was told, from a pretty reliable source, the firefighter didn't fall off the ladder, he was hurt doing other stuff. And finally, I was just trying to explain something, there is no need for "all caps lock" hostility here, I was just trying to do my best to explain their point of view to someone who I didn't think understood, from my perspective as a local (although I am not there right now) soldier with respect for what fire fighters do. So, I guess if it didn't help, enjoy whatever it is that you do, because I don't want to argue, you believe what you want "

    Chuck Sanchez wrote on Dec 10, 2012 10:17 AM:

    " I agree with angry bird that truck should be auctioned and the money raised should be used to fix up the Bushmasters Club. By the way ANGRY BIRD FOR MAYOR. "

    ANGRY BIRD wrote on Dec 10, 2012 10:12 AM:

    " WOW YOUR WORDS AND TONE OF VOICE ARE IMPRESSIVE AND INTIMIDATING, BUT AFTER SO MUCH TRAINING YOU WOULD EXPECT A BETTER TURN OUT WHEN A FIRE BREAKS OUT CUZ MIND YOU SAINT LUKES BURNED DOWN, MARILUS SALON BURNED DOWN, AND A FIREFIGHTER FELL OFF THE LADDER. BUT GO AHEAD AND KEEP REPLYING WITH THAT LITTLE ARROGANT ATTITUDE OF YOURS, HONESLTY WITH OR WITHOUT A LADDER YOU GUYS DONT IMPRESS ME. HOWEVER THE TRUCK LOOKED VERY NICE IN THE PARADE. "

    TO ANGRY BIRD wrote on Dec 8, 2012 11:54 PM:

    " Regarding your earlier post about playing at Kmart. The firefighters aren't born with an automatic ability to do their jobs, they have to train, with any vehicle, skill, or piece of equipment. The ladder truck being a fairly new piece of equipment, they have to train more on it to get familiar with it so that when they have to use it to help one of us, they know what they are doing. So, next time you see them at kmart, or in front of their fire station, or wherever, they aren't playing for the fun of it, they are training so that when the time comes, they can do what they need to do to save you, or me, or any one of the citizens of Douglas that may need, it. Is the cost of that ladder truck and training on it worth it when you weigh it against your life, or my life, or your children's or parent's lives, just in case? "

    Angry Bird Jr wrote on Dec 5, 2012 8:08 AM:

    " Well Frank you immediately responded to the comment so it is obvious that you are the one with all the time in the world to be replying, or maybe all your chores were done and your wife loan you her laptop to check your facebook and stuff. "

    Frank Enriquez wrote on Dec 4, 2012 11:22 AM:

    " To Angry bird:

    Angry bird you are a coward posting comments like these hopefully you never need help from this fire truck, you are probably a stay home dad that has all the time in the world to be posting worthless comments. Find a Job you lazy coward. And if you are so unhappy with the fire truck post your name, and address your issues publicly with your name. "

    C. Frederickson wrote on Dec 4, 2012 9:20 AM:

    " I TOTALLY AGREE WITH ANGRY BIRD THE MONEY RAISED FROM THE AUCTION SHOULD BE USED TO PURCHASE VEHICLES FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS WELL AS DONATING SOME MONEY TO SAINT LUKES FOR REPAIRS. "

    ANGRY BIRD wrote on Dec 4, 2012 8:08 AM:

    " THE CITY OF DOUGLAS SHOULD AUCTION THAT LADDER OFF TO A FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT COULD PUT IT TO GOOD USE. ALL THEY DO IS PLAY WITH IT AT THE OLD K-MART LIKE IF ITS A PLAYGROUND..... SILLY INVESTMENT WHEN WE COULD OF MADE REPAIRS TO THE TOWN WITH THAT MONEY. "

    Taxpayer 2 wrote on Nov 20, 2012 4:37 PM:

    " TO LADDER DON'T IMPRESS ME: YOU DON'T IMPRESS ANY OFF THE RESIDENTS OF DOUGLAS WITH YOUR COMMENTS. BE BRAVE AND GIVE US YOUR NAME,MUST ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO OR KEEP YOURSELF BUSY, AND NO JOB AND NO TAXPAYER FOR SURE. JUST TO START SOMETHING! BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT THE PEOPLE WITH YOUR KIND OF NEGATIVELY AND NO SENSE NEVER AMOUNT TO NOTHING!!!!!!

    CHIEF NOVOA AND DOUGLAS FIRE STAFF THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ASSISTANCE YOUR OUTSTANING WORK YOU DO FOR THIS COMMUNITY AND THE CITIZENS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOUR SAFE ALWAYS. "

    TO The Ladder Dont Impress Me wrote on Nov 20, 2012 11:36 AM:

    " REALLY??

    The Ladder Dont Impress Me wrote on Nov 19, 2012 1:34 PM:

    " Seems to me like this ladder is not all that great. First of all the Church burns severely, and second i heard a fire fighter fell off. What is going on here? Does that ladder need training wheels? "

    Why dont you get off your computer and request a training on the truck. I would be happy to put some flames under you and see how you respond!

    Coward until you need that truck to help you! "

    concerned x-douglas gal wrote on Nov 20, 2012 11:26 AM:

    " This is the church I grew up in. This is so sad. Thanks to the Daily Dispatch for getting the 'goings on' to all of us that live so far away. Thank God for the firefighters and the investment of the ladder truck that is a great investment for the little town of Douglas. "

    US Customs Inspector wrote on Nov 20, 2012 12:58 AM:

    " Congratulations Douglas Fire Department firefighters for a job well done and prayers and fast recovery for your partner. YOU ARE REALLY DOUGLAS’ FINNEST. May God watch and bless you ALL. "

    The Ladder Dont Impress Me wrote on Nov 19, 2012 1:34 PM:

    " Seems to me like this ladder is not all that great. First of all the Church burns severely, and second i heard a fire fighter fell off. What is going on here? Does that ladder need training wheels? "

    Douglas Firefighter wrote on Nov 16, 2012 3:41 PM:

    " To all the firefighters from all shifts who came to assist with this fire operation: great job!! Thank you for all the hard work in saving St. Luke's Church. This is what happens when teamwork and strong fireground tactics combine. And to the unknown coward who was screaming insults at one of our firefighters about our ladder truck: you don't have to be afraid and hide in the dark. Have courage and bring your concerns to us face to face when we are not fighting a fire. We will be glad to answer any questions you might have. Our door remains open to educate the public about this truck. "

    Ramon wrote on Nov 14, 2012 5:42 PM:

    " This is the second fire at a church in recent times. Are these fires hate crimes that the police and fire departments are not telling us about? There is talk on the street that our police, fire and elected officials hide things from the people of Douglas. All of us need to demand that our local officials tell us the truth on this and all other matters. I am calling for the Police and Fire Chiefs, along with the Mayor, City Council and City Manager to have a trasnparent administration ! ! ! ! "

    valeria nunez wrote on Nov 14, 2012 12:36 PM:

    " how sad that my school church burned "

    am wrote on Nov 14, 2012 11:02 AM:

    " Way to put your hard earned ladder truck to use DFD! Job well done! Hoping for a speedy recovery for your injured firefighter. "

    Thankful wrote on Nov 14, 2012 10:10 AM:

    " Great job to all the firefighters! Prayers to the injured firefighter for a speedy recovery. "

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