Fire Breaks Out And Engulfs Mormon Church In Cambridge During Morning Meeting

May 17, 2009

Author: Daniel M. Peleschuk and Emma Rose Johnson

Source: The Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/05/fire_breaks_out_1.html

A fire broke out this morning during a meeting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints outside Harvard Square in Cambridge, sending members spilling out onto the street.

The blaze, which hit three alarms, began at 10:37 a.m. in the church at at 4 Longfellow Park, off Brattle Street, according to Cambridge Fire Department Supervisor Kirk Warner. No injuries have been reported. Fire departments from the surrounding communities of Belmont, Somerville, Waltham, and Watertown provided assis tance.

According to Cambridge Fire Chief Gerald Reardon, the fire, which was fought with 22 engines, seven ladder companies, and about 80 firefighters, was brought under control sometime after noon. Reardon said the fire started in the attic, but he did not know the cause.

The building was gutted and smoke continued billowing from the charrred remains. The roof collapsed but the steeple remained standing. Onlookers stood watching firefighters work and taking photographs.

Bishop Paul Dredge, said by phone from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Belmont, that the loss of the church would be hard for the members.

"This is very sad for people who have a history with this building," he said.