A second-alarm blaze tore through Victory Outreach Church in Pomona in the predawn hours of Saturday. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported to the scene at 177 W. Monterey Ave. at about 2:47 a.m. to find the structure with smoke and fire visible, battling the fire into defensive mode, as stated in a post from their official account.
2ND ALARM COMMERCIAL BUILDING FIRE | FS182 | 177 W Monterey Ave #Pomona | At approx. 2:47 a.m. #LACoFD units arrived on scene of a church with smoke and fire showing. Units are currently in defensive mode.#MontereyIC
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) December 17, 2023
Damages to the church were extensive, with the congregation later confirming on their Facebook page that the building was "redeemed a total loss." The incident occurred just hours before the church had planned to host a Christmas event featuring a toy giveaway. Despite no reported injuries, the fire significantly disrupted the much-anticipated festivities, as seen in an update shared by the LACoFD.
**UPDATE** 2ND ALARM COMMERCIAL BUILDING FIRE | FS182 | 177 W Monterey Ave #Pomona | At approx. 2:47 a.m. #LACoFD Victory Outreach Church | No injuries pic.twitter.com/mbMaxFgNXo
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) December 17, 2023
People showed their solidarity as neighboring churches, local families, and even firefighters stepped forward to donate gifts to ensure the children would not miss out on their Christmas surprise. According to an NBC Los Angeles report, Pastor Lacrease Coleman from Abundant Living Family Church said, "We had some on hand and we said, 'You know what? Let us go and give, give what we have and support them,' because the kids -- we want them to have an amazing Christmas, as well."
Senior Pastor Robert Garcia was quoted expressing gratitude for the immense backing the church received: "We’re going to come back stronger, that’s what is helping lift me up, to know that I am not alone, we have a great congregation," he told NBC Los Angeles.
