March 22, 2023 The lack of hydrants, the building’s unique design and size were among issues.
Source Firehouse.com News
Firefighters tackling a massive church fire in Florence Monday night faced a number of obstacles.
Water, the design and size of the Fountain of Life Center were among the challenges, the Courier Post reported.
Firefighters from more than 50 departments assisted with the eight-alarm blaze that officials said was the largest in Burlington County since an 11-alarm fire hit a Dietz and Watson plant in 2013, according to county officials.
The complex that consists of a school and other buildings is located in an area without hydrants. Folding tanks were set up and multiple tankers shuttled water to the scene.
The blaze at the church — with a seating capacity of 3,000 — was discovered about 6 p.m. Monday and crews remained on the scene Tuesday.
Florence Fire District Administrator Robert Tharp said firefighters initially entered the large two-story church, but heavy smoke hampered the interior attack as crews found many small rooms and curvy hallways.
Firefighters were ordered to exit the structure due to conditions, and an exterior operation was initiated. Tharp said during the defensive mode, they focused on and manage to save nearby buildings.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local, state and federal authorities.
“Our thoughts are with the church’s congregation and school community who have been impacted. The devastating loss will be felt by our entire county,” county officials said in a statement.
There were no reported injuries.
“We are resilient and we’re going to build back bigger and better,” Merle Harper, a church member told a CBS reporter as he stood near the charred remains.