More Than 50 Firefighters Tackle Blaze at Historic Norwich Church
A devastating fire tore through the over 100-year-old Taftville Congregational Church in Norwich, Connecticut, on Saturday night, causing extensive damage to the historic structure.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene on North B Street at approximately 10 p.m. after multiple reports came in about a structure fire at the church. Flames were visible from blocks away, and the building quickly became engulfed.
The Norwich Fire Department confirmed that more than 50 firefighters from multiple surrounding departments were involved in battling the intense blaze. It took several hours for crews to bring the fire under control due to the size of the structure and the age of the building, which made it particularly vulnerable to rapid fire spread.
“The fire was already through the roof when we arrived,” said Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Montoya. “Because of the age of the building and the materials used, it burned fast and hot. We went into a defensive mode almost immediately.”
The Taftville Congregational Church, a cornerstone of the community for more than a century, has served as a place of worship and gathering for generations of local families. Its loss is already being deeply felt by both congregants and residents of the wider Norwich area.
No injuries have been reported, though firefighters worked through the night to ensure no one was inside the structure and to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes and buildings. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Norwich Fire Marshal’s Office.
Photos and videos from the scene showed massive flames leaping into the night sky and thick plumes of smoke billowing from the church’s roof. By early Sunday morning, much of the structure was left charred and partially collapsed.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said longtime church member Linda Palmer. “This place was more than just a church. It was home. We’ve had weddings, baptisms, funerals — everything here. To see it like this is just unbelievable.”
Crews remained on the scene into Sunday morning, monitoring hot spots and securing the area. Officials said investigators will begin a detailed examination of the site once it is safe to enter.
Local leaders have already expressed support for the affected congregation. “This is a major loss for our community,” said Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom. “We’ll do everything we can to support the church and help them rebuild in the days ahead.”
An online fundraiser is expected to be launched by church members to help with rebuilding efforts once the full extent of the damage is known.
As Norwich residents come to terms with the loss of one of their historic landmarks, many are hopeful that the strong community spirit surrounding the Taftville Congregational Church will endure and guide its future restoration.
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