4 Montclair Firefighters Hurt Battling Church Fire (UPDATED)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Four firefighters were hurt battling a three-alarm fire that caused "extensive damage" to a church in Montclair on Tuesday morning, authorities say.

The pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church on Grove Street wasn't inside when the fire broke out inside the basement. According to the town's fire chief, nobody else was inside the building, News 12 New Jersey reported.

A video posted by NorthJersey.com showed fire crews and engines outside the church, with thick, black smoke billowing into the air.

The blaze caused a roof collapse and extensive damage to the church. It was contained at 11 a.m., ABC 7 News reported.

The Montclair Fire Department issued a statement about the blaze on Tuesday afternoon. Officials said:

"On August 15 at 8 a.m., the Montclair Fire Department received a call reporting a fire at the church on the corner of Grove and Tuxedo. No one was inside the church at that time. MFD units arrived to find fire reaching from the basement to the roofline at the rear of the church. The fire was very advanced at the time of FD arrival and it took multiple hoselines and master streams to bring the fire under control. Fire and water damage to the church was extensive. The fire reached 3rd alarm status. Four firefighters received minor injuries and were treated and released from the hospital. There were no reported civilian injuries."

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Montclair fire officials said.

Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller thanked local fire, police and EMS crews for their efforts fighting the fire.

"Fortunately, at this time it seems as if no one was in the church, but our firefighters are conducting a full search now that the fire is out," Spiller said Tuesday evening.

"Our investigator is on the scene and will be followed by officials from the state and ATF," he continued, adding that prayers are with the injured firefighters and the congregants of Grace Presbyterian Church, who lost their place of worship.

"Sadly, based on what I saw on the scene, the damage to the church is extensive," Spiller said. "But know our community will rally around the congregation to support them as they recover."

The pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair posted a message on social media about the "devastating" fire at the neighboring house of worship:

"Earlier today, a large and fast-moving fire started at Grace Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Tuxedo Road and Grove Street in Montclair. I spent a couple of hours down there this morning, as firefighters and EMTs from Montclair and surrounding communities fought what quickly turned into a devastating fire--while neighbors and others from the town gathered with news organizations, etc., to watch this beautiful and historic 99 year-old structure (the congregation is 130 years old) suffer what looks to be a total loss. No one else seems to have been in the building, which is a blessing. However, at least two firefighters had to be taken to the hospital due to heat/smoke/exhaustion. I invite you to join me in praying for and with the people and the ministry of our neighbor and longtime partner in ministry, Grace Presbyterian Church. Please also offer prayers of thanks and good health for the firefighters who risked their lives to save that building. And stay tuned for details about specific ways you and we might show our love for them in the challenging future ahead."

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