A devastating fire on Easter Friday severely damaged St. John The Divine Church in Durban, with firefighters successfully saving a significant portion of the historic structure.
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A pre-dawn blaze tore through St. John The Divine Church on Clark Road in Durban's Bulwer area this Easter Friday, destroying a significant section of the historic structure.
The alarm was raised at approximately 5am, reporting a structural fire. Divisional Commander Nqabakazi Nqoro of the eThekwini Fire Department confirmed that the first responding rescue pump arrived within five minutes to find the building "well alight, with flames already breaking through the roof".
Nqoro said three firefighting crews were immediately deployed. One crew conducted an interior attack, while two others were positioned on the eastern and western sides for external attacks.
"We actually did not find any difficulties in containing the fire because we had easy access," she said, adding that the fire was brought under control by 5.30am, with damping down operations continuing into the morning.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames engulfing St. John The Divine Church in Durban, successfully containing the fire and preventing further destruction.
Image: Patron Shield Security
While the church largely escaped destruction, a crucial section was destroyed.
"We managed to save the bigger portion of the church, where people sit and worship," Nqoro explained.
"The side that was really damaged was where the fire started; there were a lot of papers and Bibles. This is the side where the roof collapsed; it was bad."
The remaining section of the structure was successfully protected, a success Commander Nqoro attributed to the building's existing firewalls.
She confirmed that no injuries or missing persons were reported at the scene. The security guard who resides on the property was reportedly on holiday at the time of the incident.
She said the church was cordoned off, and according to the pastor, there was going to be no service at the church.
Three firefighting crews swiftly deployed to the scene, with rescue vehicles arriving within minutes to combat the blaze at St. John The Divine Church in Durban.
Image: Patron Shield Security
"Even if there was going to be a service because of the situation, it would not have continued because the other side suffered extensive damage," Nqoro reported.
Built in 1922, the church is considered a work of art, according to the South African National Society.
According to the society, the interior's grand beauty is created by the symmetrical arches leading into the side aisles and the roof trusses over the nave, complemented by numerous commemorative plaques.
Adding to the aesthetic appeal, stained-glass windows provide a subdued light throughout the space. A brick bell tower stands at the juncture of the area of the church set apart for the altar.