Firefighters and divine intervention are credited with sparing an east London church from substantial damage.
A blaze broke out at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Brydges Street shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday.
In the aftermath, its chairperson was moved at the sight of a religious banner, surrounded by burn marks, that somehow escaped damage.
“It could be worse. But the Lord was looking out for us here, so that’s all we can ask,” said Kurt Bromhall.
On the outside, it was easy to see why he felt grateful to the heavens and firefighters.
“The call initially came in as a shed fire,” explained London Fire Dept. District Chief Scott McKenzie. “Once our crews were on scene, they realized that the shed had also impinged onto the eaves of the church and was making its way into the roof.”
Multiple engines, including an aerial unit, were deployed to contain the fire.
Soon afterwards, crews cut holes in the roof to vent the flames.
Despite best efforts, the shed was destroyed and the east wall of the church damaged.
Of more concern, a small hole created just above the altar.
Damage has been estimated at least $100,000.
Initially, the cause was set as accidental, but that was later changed to undetermined.
The destroyed shed had been set for demolition after years of break-ins.
It is a tough spot for the church as Bromhall said the homeless often seek refuge, “We’ve had people living on their mattresses, and then they’re setting themselves up at home, especially during and throughout the winter. It is really problematic.”
But, at the same time, the congregation is balancing security with the need to offer salvation to those in need.
“Absolutely, we don’t turn anyone away,” Bromhall pledged.
