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Witnesses say lightning strike caused fire at historic church linked to Harriet Tubman in Auburn

First responders were called to the Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church on Parker Street in Auburn on Sunday after a fire was reported.

Witnesses believe that the fire was caused by a lightning strike. However, that information remains unconfirmed. Video of the response and fire surfaced on Facebook as crews worked the scene.

The Citizen reports that the fire was contained to the front steeple of the church, which is part of the Harriet Tubman National Park.

Neighbors around the scene told The Citizen that they heard several loud booms, and suspected that the fire was caused by lightning. That had not been confirmed by first responders or investigators on-scene.

The scene remained active following the initial report of fire.

Photo by Durland Krickovich‎.