Cause Of Norristown Church Fire Partially Uncovered By Investigators

NORRISTOWN, PA — The cause of the fire that devastated a Norristown community church last week was accidental, an extensive investigation by authorities revealed.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives worked with the Norristown police and fire departments and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal's Unit on the scene of the fire.

The mechanisms that caused the accidental fire are still under investigation, and authorities did not elaborate further on their progress. The news that the fire was accidental and not arson is noteworthy, however, following last year's arson that destroyed the historic bandshell.

"The Norristown Fire Department would like to thank the approximately 30 fire companies, EMS agencies and fire police units that assisted at the scene and stood by in our stations to protect the citizens of Norristown," authorities said in a statement.

The incident began just before 7 p.m. on Jan. 7 at the Faith Tabernacle House of Prayer, located on 542 DeKalb Street.

• Related: 'We Will Rebuild': Norristown Rallies After Fire Destroys Local Church

The historic, 170-year-old building was the former home of the Norristown Public Library for years before the church community moved in.

The heavy blaze caused two alarms to be rung and was placed under control by 5:38 a.m. on Jan. 8. Firefighters remained on the scene until 6:30 p.m., nearly 24 hours after the fire began, combating hot spots that popped up after the primary fire was extinguished.

A total of $5,786 has now been raised from 73 donors in a community GoFundMe for the church's repair.

The fundraiser has a $20,000 goal.

A portion of DeKalb Street will remain shut down through the end of January as the investigation into the church fire continues. The closure impacts the right lane of DeKalb between Airy and Marshall streets.