More Than 50 Firefighters Tackle Church Blaze as Witnesses Recall Moments RCCG Church in Norwich Caught Fire

More Than 50 Firefighters Tackle Church Blaze as Witnesses Recall Moments RCCG Church in Norwich Caught Fire

More than 50 firefighters battled a massive blaze at a Norwich church on Wednesday afternoon, after flames rapidly engulfed the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and prompting dramatic evacuations.

The fire broke out shortly after midday at the RCCG’s Place of Victory parish located in the heart of the city. Witnesses said the fire spread “shockingly fast,” leaving worshippers and passersby in disbelief as the historic building was consumed by flames.

Emergency services responded within minutes, with at least ten fire engines from across Norfolk deployed to the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the burning structure, while aerial ladder platforms were used to attack the blaze from above. Nearby roads were closed, and residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut due to the dense smoke.

“I was just walking by and saw smoke coming out of the roof,” said Linda Rawlins, a local shop owner. “Within five minutes, it looked like the entire building was on fire. It was terrifying how fast it spread.”

Eyewitnesses reported hearing cracking and crashing sounds as parts of the roof caved in. One worshipper, Mary Adewale, who had been attending a midweek service, recalled the moment chaos erupted.

“We were praying when someone shouted that there was smoke. We thought it was a small issue at first,” she said, visibly shaken. “But when we stepped outside the main hall, we saw flames. Everyone just started running. Thank God no one was hurt.”

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that more than 50 firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze. Group Manager Steve Cox described the fire as “intense and challenging” due to the size and structure of the building.

“This was a significant incident,” Cox said. “Crews acted swiftly to protect life and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent properties. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.”

The church, which has served the local Nigerian and African-Caribbean community for over a decade, is now a charred shell. Its leaders said they were “heartbroken” by the destruction but thankful that no lives were lost.

Pastor John Olu, speaking to reporters at the scene, said: “It’s hard to describe the pain we feel seeing our place of worship like this. But our faith remains strong, and we are grateful everyone made it out safely.”

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. While arson has not been ruled out, fire officials said it was too early to draw conclusions.

Community leaders and local residents gathered nearby throughout the day, offering support and prayers. Plans are already being discussed to provide the displaced congregation with a temporary location to hold services.

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis praised the emergency response and expressed his solidarity with the congregation.

“This is a terrible loss for the community,” he said. “But I’m inspired by the strength and unity I’ve seen here today.”

As the smouldering ruins cooled under the watch of firefighters into the night, the message from the community was clear: the church may have burned, but the spirit of its people remains unshaken.

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