PEORIA, Ill. – A South Peoria church is a total loss after a fire Thursday morning.

25 News reports Peoria Fire crews were called to the Liberty United Love Ministries at Blaine and Starr just after 7:00 A.M. on reports of smoke in the building.

Battalion Chief Josh Maroney says crews initially fought the fire from the inside, but pulled everyone out after conditions deteriorated quickly. The fire was then fought defensively by two ladder trucks.

Demolition of the building is underway.

Maroney says it is not known if the church is active.

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