Fire breaks out at Norwich church during service 

A fire broke out in a Norwich church on Sunday afternoon while worshippers were attending a service, but no-one is thought to have been hurt.

The blaze at Redeemed Christian Church of God on Plumstead Road in Heartsease, Norwich, started around 2.30pm on Sunday April 27 and firefighters were called at around 2.35pm.
 
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service posted on X: “We are currently in attendance at a large building fire on Plumstead road, Norwich. Nearby residents are advised to close windows and traffic to find alternative routes. Thank you.”
 
The church is based in the former Wild Stallion dance studio and is a pentecostal church which originated in Nigeria and is led by Pastor Jonathan Onyeme.
 

The fire started during the second service of the day, from 1pm, and large plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the roof and firefighters used an aerial platform to fight the fire.
 
Jennie Schamp, from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), told the EDP: "When we got here, the church was well alight. We had eight fire appliances here along with some specialist appliances - that means around 50 firefighters and officers at its height."

She said an investigation into the cause will be launched on Monday.
 
Gabriel Abotsle, one of the church deacons at RCCG praised the efforts of firefighters. Speaking to the EDP, he said: "I think we're very lucky to have dedicated fire service when like this happen. They came to speak to us, to reassure us and see whether anyone had inhaled the smoke."
 
Pictured top and above, the RCCG Church in Norwich on fire. Pictures (C) Kurtis Carr.

Pictured below is RCCG Pastor Jonathan Onyeme leading a service at the church.