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Calvary Church of North Long Beach Suffers Second Fire in the Past Six Months
By frhayes | February 20, 2009
On Friday, February 20, 2009 at 5:13 A.M. Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) units responded to 5722 Lime Ave (Calvary Chapel of North Long Beach) for a report of a structure fire at this location.
Engine Company Eleven (11) was the first on scene and arrived in approximately 3 minutes. They gave their initial report of “a two story church, fully involved (with fire), pulling a hose line, and requesting assistance from incoming units with a water supply and firefighting operations”. Truck Companies conducted ventilation operations to check for extension of the fire and to clear the interior of smoke for firefighting crews to conduct Search and Rescue operations. Based on the size of the building and the amount of fire showing a “second alarm” (request for additional resources) was called for by the district Battalion Chief, who assumed Incident Commander (IC) duties.
The fire was contained to the entry area off of South Street and to a large meeting/activity room behind this location. The facility was clear of occupants at the time of the fire, and there were no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters. LBFD crews overhauled the structure, looking for any “hot spots”, to ensure that the fire was extinguished, and then conducted salvage operations. Clear plastic sheeting was placed over the ventilation hole on the roof to prevent environmental exposure, the entry on South Street was cleaned up and made free of any dangers to the public, and “board up” was offered to secure the church (the Pastor chose to assume this responsibility).
The extent of the damage to the structure and it’s contents is estimated at approximately $75,000-$100,000 dollars. In addition to this current fire, the church suffered another fire at one of their other facilities, approximately one block away, within the last six (6) months. After investigation, that fire was listed as an “undetermined cause”. The cause of this current fire has been preliminarily listed as “suspicious in nature”. Because it is a church (house of worship), a joint investigation is on going, conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), LBFD Arson division and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). Anyone with information on this fire is requested to call the Arson Tip Line at: (562) 570-2582, they may remain anonymous if desired.
A total of 27 apparatus and 58 personnel responded to this incident, that occurred in council districts 8 on the border of council district 9 on South Street.
Topics: Incidents | 32 Comments »