After damage from a fire forced St. Paul's United Church of Christ (6512 12th Ave. N.W) to close, Alcoholics Anonymous members and 12-step group members will be meeting at other locations in the area.

St. Paul's has been a site for Alcoholics Anonymous and addiction treatment groups for over 40 years. According to Reverend Tim Devine, Pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, the church has been supporting AA groups since the late 1970s, when the congregation decided to offer their location for the purpose of helping addicts. Devine said that around 1800 people from the area visit the church every week. Devine also reported that the groups who meet there offer support for not only alcoholics and drug users, but also people with addictions to food, sex and debt.

“It has really built up over time and something people have felt comfortable having there,” said Devine.

But after an early morning fire last week the church closed its doors and will remain closed the the next three months while its repaired.

Devine said the fire was caused be a furnace in the basement that spread through the heating duct, creating “hot spots”— pockets of smoldering fire — throughout the building. Firefighters initially responded to the blaze at 3 a.m. last Tuesday when the fire alarm was tripped.

According to Seattle Fire Department the fire started in the boiler room in the basement, however they are still investigating the cause.

Because there were hot spots detected throughout the building, firefighters had to cut into the walls, ceiling and floors to check for flames.

“There is an asbestos problem after the crews cut into the floor and ceilings so the church will be closed while improvements are made,” said Devine.

Until the church reopens, the 15, (50-person) 12-step meetings are being held in at least eight churches in the area. Some of those include Ballard First Lutheran, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church.

AA members are not the only people displaced from the fire; the 60 members of the St. Paul's United Church-Christ congregation have also found refuge at another church.

“We are worshiping at Ballard First Lutheran during their interim time. They’ve been very generous with us.”

In the meantime, Devine said he’s thankful for all the help from other churches and organizations while the church is being repaired.

“When it’s all over we should have a safer building for the congregation and anyone looking for support.”

For more info visit: http://www.stpucc.org