Huge fire destroys New Jersey church, draws 150 firefighters

FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Fire has destroyed a large New Jersey church, collapsing its roof as more than 150 firefighters fought to control the blaze. The Fountain of Life Center in Florence Township was engulfed in flames Monday night (March 20, 2023). No injuries were reported in the fire. The cause wasn’t immediately known. Senior Pastor Russell Hodgins tells Philadelphia’s KYW-TV that it’s a devastating loss. The center describes itself on its website as a multipurpose, 120,000-square-foot facility with a preschool, basketball courts, and a fitness center. It’s believed the school and recreation building survived the fire.