Beaver County church engulfed in flames, destroyed by fire

DARLINGTON, Pa. — Flames engulfed a church in Darlington, Beaver County, Monday morning.

An orange glow could be seen through the doors and windows of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church as firefighters battled the blaze.

The fire broke out about 5:30 a.m. and was reported after neighbors heard an explosion.

Flames shot from every side of the church on Market Street, destroying it.

“We heard what sounded like an explosion. We looked outside and saw this.” Channel 11 viewer Heather Duncan captured flames ripping through Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. Lay Pastor and community members say it’s a miracle no one was hurt or killed. Stay with @WPXI pic.twitter.com/fgKqW0BbuL
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) May 24, 2021

“It was a shock to see. We’re a small congregation, but the people are of a strong spirit and we desire to rebuild and whatever we gotta do to keep the congregation together. It’s an important part of the community,” Timothy Casey, lay pastor at the church, said.

A Go Fund Me has been started for the church to help members rebuild.

The Darlington fire chief said the fire was challenging to fight because there were no fire hydrants, so manpower was needed from a number of neighboring communities to get it under control.

RAW: Darlington church fire

Firefighters spent hours spraying down the church.

No one was hurt.

A fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

RIGHT NOW: Ladder truck extended toward roof of the church. Crews continue to throw water on flames. @WPXI pic.twitter.com/sr8QBwuh6E
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) May 24, 2021