BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) – A local church near Bloomington rises from its ashes following a large fire on Monday.
The Victory Church caught fire on Monday just before noon and left teams occupied for nearly nine hours, causing extensive damage to the building.
Despite the fire that destroyed the church building in what is most likely a total loss; church leaders said they would not leave, saying they would always be there to serve the community.
Smoke, flames and water caused extensive damage inside and outside the Victory Church.
“Upstairs is our youth room and everything that has been consumed by the fire and there is water damage and smoke all over the building,” said Executive Pastor, Jarrod Herald.
Now, churches in the city and in Illinois are offering support and prayers from Victory Church.
“[There have been] 10-15 fair at Bloomington-Normal who reached out to us, who offered their building, volunteers, whatever, “Herald said.
The blaze started just before noon on Monday, taking nine hours and 15 different fire teams to extinguish, including Downs, Bloomington Fire and Normal Fire.
“We all work from the same command system and we all have similar terminology, so it works pretty well,” said Eric Davison, public information manager, Bloomington Fire Department.
The freezing temperatures and the lack of nearby fire hydrants posed unique challenges to the firefighters on site. The teams had to commute between the water and the nearest fire hydrant, a kilometer and a half away.
“We don’t have hydrants here, so we took water down to Evans Jr High and brought it here, and then they put it in these big tanks to get water.” , Davison said. “The crews are trained a lot on this, they are really efficient. “
Although the Victory Church building is in ruins, all services will go as planned according to Herald.
“The church building is where we worship. This is where we facilitate various ministry needs, but I am the church, believers are the church, and it can happen anywhere, ”Herald said.
The Herald said the church hopes to be part of the Bloomington-Normal faith community for many decades to come.
“Overall, we will rebuild. Victory will rebuild itself there in this place and better and bigger. We will continue to have an impact on our community. We still plan to reach people for Jesus, ”said Herald.
Church leaders are meeting in the coming days to finalize a temporary location for services and are grateful that no one has been injured as a result of the blaze.
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