Current Conditions
23°F - CLEAR
When firefighters arrived shortly after midnight, heavy flames were tearing through the roof in the south wing of Conestoga Mennonite Church, 2779 Main St., Morgantown, said Deputy Chief Dwayne Martin of Churchtown Fire Department. Though the church has a Morgantown mailing address, it is in Lancaster County, near the border with Berks County.
Martin said firefighters attempted to mount an interior attack on the blaze but were hampered by a partially collapsed roof.
"We got the guys out and attempted to knock it down quite a bit from the outside," Martin said. "We staged an aerial operation using water and foam, and once we got it down, we were able to get back inside and take care of the hot spots."
Martin said it took about an hour and a half to bring the blaze under control. Flames and smoke were visible from several miles away, he said.
A fire marshal ruled the fire accidental in nature but the cause remains unknown, Martin said.
Damage is estimated at $750,000 to the building and $250,000 to its contents, he said.
Martin said the fire was confined to the south wing, which houses offices and classrooms. The chapel and east wing sustained minor smoke damage, he said. Martin said he did not know if the church held services Sunday.
Representatives of the church could not immediately be reached for comment Sunday.Churchtown Fire Department was assisted by crews from Goodville, Honeybrook, Twin Valley (Chester County), Glenmoore (Chester County), Geigertown (Berks County), Elverson (Chester County) and Blue Ball.
Martin said crews were on the scene until 4:30 a.m. One firefighter sustained a minor ankle injury.
E-mail: jtodd@lnpnews.com
