Houston fire: Person of interest sought following 3-alarm fire near I-45

3-alarm fire damages former church

An investigation is underway following a 3-alarm fire that damaged a church in Houston on Monday afternoon. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle has the latest following a news conference with Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Fire Department. 

HOUSTON - Firefighters were battling a 3-alarm fire at a church property in north Houston on Monday afternoon.

Crews battle fire in north Houston

What we know:

The fire was reported around 12:40 p.m. near I-45 and E Hamilton Road.

Firefighters say there were three buildings on the property, and all of them were involved in the fire.

No injuries have been reported.

What they're saying:

The property was at one time a church. We spoke with the organization on the sign outside, and they told us that they sold the property and moved out last year.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the building was property of the Texas Department of Transportation and said he would be having a "serious conversation" with TxDOT about the building as it is being condemned for the I-45 widening project, saying they've got to be responsible for their properties. They've got to secure them andkeep elements away that would endanger the public.

FULL VIDEO: Houston officials provide update following 3-alarm fire near I-45

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz provide an update following a 3-alarm fire that sparked up near I-45 in Houston on Monday afternoon. 

Whitmire said there was evidence of the homeless living in the property. He stated indications are there was a fire started to create a warmer environment. 

Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz said during a news conference the first call was made around 12:39 p.m. A second alarm was call about 20 minutes later at 12:59 p.m. and a third alarm was called at 1:15 p.m. 

In all, over 100 firefighters and 30 apparatus, including fire trucks and ladder trucks, were called out to the fire. 

Church fire near I-45, Parker in north Houston

Aerials of firefighters battling a fire at a church near I-45 and Parker Road in north Houston.

Officials said the Arson Bureau is now involved as they are searching for a person of interest who was seen in the area prior to the fire. 

Munoz said they believe the fire started in one building on the property then spread over to the church, then to another building that was also on the property. 

What we don't know:

It's unclear the exact reason why the fire started. Investigators will determine the cause.