POTTSTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Flames ripped through an abandoned church in Pottstown, Montgomery County, early Friday morning. Some neighbors had to be evacuated.
The fire broke out after 6 a.m. at the former home of Invictus Ministries, located at Hanover and Chestnut streets, and was contained about six hours later, around 12:30 p.m.
“The roof collapsed, so there's debris burning underneath the roof where it collapsed. So, we're in good shape. Nobody's in danger,” said Pottstown Fire Chief Frank Hand.
Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller said the building had been vacant for about two years and was recently bought by a developer.
“The building was being cleaned out, and it was vacant,” Keller said. “So there very well could have been a possibility that there were trespassers that had gotten into the building.”
Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, but officials said there were no injuries. A house next to the church was damaged.
Church officials said it has been around since 1810 and that they are praying for everyone involved.
A cause is not yet known. An investigation is underway.