A two-alarm fire tore through a Ford Heights church Wednesday, sending flames punching through the roof and a towering column of smoke over the south suburb as firefighters scrambled to get control. Officials have not yet said whether anyone was inside when the fire broke out or what started it.
Fire Erupts On Drexel Avenue
Fire crews were dispatched to the 1600 block of Drexel Avenue, where aerial footage showed flames blasting from the roof while firefighters attacked the blaze with multiple hose lines, according to CBS Chicago. The response was bumped up to a two-alarm fire, and thick, dark smoke could be seen from miles away. As of that report, investigators had not yet identified the cause.
True Light Temple Of Praise Hit By Fire
The building appears to be the True Light Temple of Praise, whose website lists its address as 1602 Drexel Ave. in Ford Heights, according to True Light Temple of Praise. The site highlights regular ministries and recent church events, but as of this morning, it did not include any public statement about the blaze.
Investigation And What Comes Next
CBS Chicago reported that the station has reached out to Ford Heights officials for more details about the fire. In a large structure fire like this one, local or state fire marshals typically examine the scene to determine where the flames started and why. This story will be updated as officials release more information and as the congregation outlines its plans to recover.
