VIDEO: Massive flames have destroyed a historic church in Delaware County. The fire broke out at the former Third Presbyterian Church on the 400 block of 9th Street, just before 2:30 a.m. Thursday. Firefighters worked for hours to put out the blaze that quickly grew to five alarms.
“From what we know at this point, it was vacant,” Chester Fire Commissioner William Rigby said. “We arrived to heavy fire throughout the building. We are now at approximately five alarms, and this still is an active fire scene.”
Throughout the morning there were multiple collapses at the church as crews battled the flames. The building has not been used as a church in decades, however, it did house the Chester Historical Preservation Committee. As recently as last week, the committee expressed frustration over the delay in their attempts to get the church restored.