Major Fire Strikes at Heart and Soul of Moorestown Community

No injuries were reported, but Moorestown may have lost a huge chunk of its soul during a major fire Tuesday evening.

Firefighters reported to a two-alarm fire that caused extensive damage at the Moorestown Community House Tuesday evening, according to 6 ABC.

Firefighters responded just before 5 p.m., and had the fire under control about an hour later, according to philly.com. There were about 40 people in the building who were all evacuated at the time of the blaze.

Arriving firefighters found flames primarily in the attic in one corner of the building, with thick smoke moving through the first and second floors, according to the Courier Post.

Firefighters from multiple towns responded to the scene, and had to rip down ceilings and punch holes in the walls to find hot spots.

Main Street was closed for a few hours around rush hour as a result of the fire, according to the report.

The cause was unknown Tuesday night, but it appears the building is salvageable.

“The fire damage appears to have been contained to an upstairs room in the building and areas like our ballroom and garden room appear to be without any serious damage,” Community House representatives posted on the organization’s Facebook page. “We will continue to keep the community informed as we work to resolve and restore our building so it may continue to serve this town that it loves so much.”

The Community House first opened its doors on April 11, 1926, according to the community house’s official website.

It came to be known as the home of the community, housing over 70 civic organizations and hosting a range of social events, including meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, wedding receptions and other special events.

It was scheduled to host the township’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for the third consecutive year in a few weeks.

“Our mission is to continue to strengthen our community by providing a home for all civic, social and recreational activities for individuals, families and organizations,” Community House representatives say on the website. “Our vision is to bond all people and families to each other and to Moorestown.”

Residents were saddened to learn of the tragedy Tuesday night, and quick to show their support.

“Please know that you have the support of all of us at First Baptist Church,” Pastor Linda Fabian Pepe wrote on the Community House’s Facebook page Tuesday night. “If you need meeting space for during repairs, or other needs that may come up, we will help in any way we can. Stay strong ! Prayers and peace to all this night.”

“Your town is here for you,” Melissa Ring Ford said.

“We love you and we are here for you. Please let us know what you need,” Laurie LaMonica said.

Even the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill offered to help by providing meeting space if it is needed.

“We are deeply saddened by tonight’s fire at The Moorestown Community House,” Moorestown Council said in a statement Tuesday night. “Our hearts are heavy for the many non-profit organizations that call this special place their home and for all of Moorestown’s residents. The Moorestown Community House has been a special place for generations of Moorestonians since 1926, and we know they will rebuild stronger than ever.

“We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the brave Moorestown volunteer firefighters who responded to the blaze, as well as to our neighboring communities whose fire departments stood with our town at our hour of need. In addition, we extend our thanks to the Moorestown Police Department for the support they offered our firefighters along Main Street, allowing them to contain the fire as quickly as possible.

“In the coming days, Town Council will be having conversations with The Community House to see how the Township can best assist with their restoration efforts. We encourage all residents to consider making a donation to The Moorestown Community House at www.TheCommunityHouse.com or to the OurUnity Restoration Campaign at www.OurCommunityHouse.com.

“We know that in the coming days, our residents will rally around our neighbors in their time of need, and rest assured that Town Council will do our part in helping The Community House on their tough road ahead.”

“We are overwhelmed by your support and are so grateful for your many well wishes. This was a very unfortunate occurrence for our beloved Community House. The fire is out and we have already set our plans in motion to restore our home,” Community House representatives said. “Thank you to those of you who have offered your support and help, we will certainly be calling on you in the future! The town worked together to build this amazing building back in 1926, and together, I know we can handle any challenge that comes our way.”

The attached images from Tuesday’s fire were posted on Facebook and used with permission from Mark Morgan