3-alarm fire destroys vacant church in Pottstown

Massive fire engulfs vacant building in Pottstown, no injuries reported

Over 250 firefighters responded to a five-alarm fire at a vacant building that was formerly a church. No injuries were reported, but approximately 20 homes were evacuated as a precaution.

POTTSTOWN, Pa. - Investigators are working to determine what sparked a three-alarm fire that destroyed a church in Pottstown early Friday morning.

What we know:

Firefighters responded to the church on North Hanover and Chestnut streets around 6:30 a.m.

Crews immediately began dousing the fire from above using multiple ladder trucks surrounding the church.

About an hour after arriving on the scene, firefighters appeared to have made progress extinguishing the fire.

Over 250 firefighters were called to battle the blaze, which started in the rear of the building. 

The fire chief explained that the intensity of the fire led to a five-alarm response. 

The building, once a church, was sold in 2024 and was vacant at the time of the fire. 

Authorities mentioned that the owner had plans for redevelopment. 

The community steps up to help 

Pastor John Folk of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ opened the church to those affected by the fire. 

"At the moment we have the church open so anyone from the community... get some food hot coffee," said Folk. 

Local businesses, including pizzerias and cheesesteak spots, along with the Red Cross, offered services to those displaced by the fire. 

Katherine Hoffman from the church noted, "Watching the community come together to help is just what this is about."

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for residents who lost power after the large church fire this morning in Pottstown. 

The shelter is located at Trinity Reformed Church, 60 N. Hanover St.

What they're saying:

Invictus Ministries posted about the fire on their Facebook page, saying "the fire is at our old church building, but we have not been affected."

"We are praying for everyone involved and for the safety of all first responders. Please keep the community in prayer," the post continued.

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet released details on how it started.