One transported to the hospital in Swansea church fire

A fire resulted in a good amount of damage to a local church Friday evening.

According to the Swansea Fire Department, at approximately 8:40 p.m., the department was alerted to a possible structure fire at the Bethany Gospel Church at 62 Lindsey Lane.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke throughout all three levels of the building and searched aggressively for the start of the fire. The fire was found to be burning in the walls and floors on three levels of the structure. Crews worked quickly to deploy two 1 ¾” and one 2 1/2” handlines to contain the fire. The fire was halted approximately 45 minutes after arrival, however, Swansea’s volunteers worked for hours going through walls, floors and ceilings before confirming that the fire was completely out.

The fire, which appears to have been burning in the concealed spaces of the church for over an hour before notification was made, damaged the center of the building on three levels.

According to SFD, quick work by Swansea crews spared the worship area, offices and classrooms of damage.

Assistance on scene was provided by both the Somerset and Warren Fire Departments, while Warren and Dighton crews covered the vacant Swansea stations.

One responder was transported to the hospital for a medical incident.

The church issued the following statement this morning.

“We are so appreciative of all the support from our community, new friends and old. THANK YOU to our community of firefighters (and their families) from Warren, Dighton, Somerset, and of course, Swansea for your time, hard work, and sacrifices. COVID-19 has brought interesting challenges and although we have not been able to gather in person, we are again reminded in these new circumstances that the Church is not a building, but is a people and though we may be gathering online, we are united in Christ. The building is secured and there is still need for ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. Entrance into the building is currently strictly prohibited. This is of the utmost importance to the work of the fire marshal.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.