Video: 4-alarm fire destroys N.J. church

By Nicolas Fernandes
nj.com

VINELAND, N.J. — A church in South Jersey was destroyed Monday night after a massive four-alarm fire broke out.

The Voice of Deliverance New Covenant Church, a nondenominational church on East Chestnut Avenue in Vineland, said in a statement Tuesday that its building was completely destroyed in the fire.

“It is with great sadness to inform you that our church was tragically incinerated during a fire on Monday, August 7, 2023,” the church said.

The church also thanked the first responders involved and the owners of a nearby Pizza Hut, who provided them shelter as fire companies were battling the blaze during a heavy rain storm.

The blaze was reported about 10 p.m. and crews had the fire under control within about two hours, CBS Philadelphia reported.

No injuries were reported, but residents living in a unit behind the church were displaced from their homes, CBS reported.

Police and fire officials did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday evening.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up in an effort to start raising funds to rebuild. The church said it plans to continue holding services, but has not yet released the location details.

Senator Michael Testa, R-1st Dist., said in a statement Tuesday that he will support any efforts to rebuild the church.

“I am saddened by the news of the fire that ripped through the Voice of Deliverance New Covenant Church last night in Vineland,” Testa said. “This church was a safe place in the community where people from all walks of life could congregate, pray, and become closer to God. For those who lost their home and place of worship, you have my support for the recovery efforts that are underway to help restore this great church.”

About 70 firefighters from 21 different area agencies assisted with putting out the fire, according to CBS.

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