Monday, May 25, 2009

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Massive fire forces Middleboro to cancel Memorial Day parade

MIDDLEBORO, Mass. -- Flames ripped through a historic church Monday forcing the town of Middleboro to cancel their Memorial Day parade.

Almost 80 firefighters and 17 trucks battled the blaze at the Central Congregational Church on Webster Street Monday morning.

Firefighters were eventually ordered out of the church because there was a fear the steeple would collapse.

One firefighter was injured in the blaze.

"The fire is just running through the walls like a chimney. So it is a mammoth task," said Middleboro Fire Chief Lance Benjamino.

The town's Memorial Day parade route was scheduled to go by the church, and a ceremony was to take place across the street, but those plans were canceled. However, many came out to celebrate Memorial Day.  

"So long as nobody was hurt in the fire that's the first thing," said one local resident, "and look at all these people. They're still out there. They were here to see the parade and they're honoring their serviceman.

Bruce Smith, the pastor of the Central Congregational Church, said they will rebuild.

 "We're going to keep going. We're not going to let this get in the way of what God wants us to do," Smith said.

The fire started in the back of the building where the kitchen is located as well as an elevator, but what caused the flames has not been determined.

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