URGENT UPDATE: The cause of the devastating three-alarm fire that engulfed the historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, has been confirmed as accidental. Fire officials announced on Wednesday that the fire, which erupted at 5:44 a.m. on November 26, was caused by an electrical malfunction.
The fire began when a reported electrical line connected to the church started arcing. Fire crews responded quickly, but by 5:55 a.m., Battalion Chief Krapf had already requested a second alarm. The blaze quickly intensified, forcing firefighters to battle flames that spread into multiple void spaces within the structure.
As the situation escalated, some firefighters became separated from their hose line approximately 50 minutes into the incident, prompting a “mayday” call and the activation of a rapid intervention team. Fortunately, the firefighters regained their bearings and evacuated safely, but conditions worsened, leading to an evacuation of all crews from inside the building.
In a concerted effort, fire departments from Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, along with New Castle County in Delaware and Gloucester County in New Jersey, collaborated for over 12 hours to extinguish the massive blaze. Crews faced multiple structural collapses and significant damage, ultimately shifting to a defensive strategy to safeguard against potential injuries.
City officials confirmed that approximately 20,000 gallons of water were drained from the church’s basement by staff from DELCORA during the Thanksgiving holiday to facilitate access for firefighters. Despite the challenges, no injuries were reported among those battling the flames.
The city’s Bureau of Fire has emphasized the importance of safety and vigilance regarding electrical systems in older buildings, especially those with a rich history like the 151-year-old church.
As the investigation concludes, officials urge the community to remain alert for updates related to fire safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by aging infrastructure, prompting renewed discussions on fire safety protocols in similar structures.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the community reflects on the loss of this cherished landmark.
