UPDATE: Officials confirm the cause of the devastating three-alarm fire that ravaged the historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, last week was accidental, stemming from an electrical malfunction. The fire, reported at 5:44 a.m. on November 26, consumed the 151-year-old church over the course of 28 hours, leaving the community in shock.
Emergency responders from the Chester fire and police departments, along with the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Unit, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the ATF, launched an extensive investigation into the fire’s origins. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that an electrical line connected to the building was arcing, igniting the blaze.
The initial call for assistance reported wires down, prompting a quick response from local fire crews. Just 11 minutes later, at 5:55 a.m., Battalion Chief Krapf requested a second alarm as flames surged through the structure. Firefighters faced perilous conditions as flames infiltrated several void spaces within the church.
As the situation escalated, approximately 50 minutes into the operation, some firefighters became separated from their hose line, leading to a “mayday” call. Fortunately, a rapid intervention team was on standby, enabling the separated firefighters to regain their bearings and evacuate safely. However, due to the building’s deteriorating conditions, all crews were ordered to evacuate.
A third alarm was activated, prompting a defensive strategy to prioritize the safety of all personnel. Fire crews from Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, as well as New Castle County in Delaware and Gloucester County in New Jersey, collaborated for over 12 hours to combat the relentless flames.
Throughout the ordeal, city crews remained on-site, and on Thanksgiving Day, staff from DELCORA responded to drain approximately 20,000 gallons of water from the church’s basement, allowing firefighters to address the remaining hotspots effectively. Unfortunately, multiple structural collapses occurred, and critical support components were severely damaged.
Despite the extensive efforts, no injuries have been reported, but the community mourns the loss of this cherished landmark. Fire officials are now focusing on determining the next steps for the site, emphasizing the importance of safety in future investigations.
Residents and local leaders are left reflecting on the significance of the historic church, which served as a cornerstone of the community for over a century. As recovery efforts continue, Chester’s residents are urged to stay informed about further developments regarding the fire and its aftermath.
