Historic church heavily damaged
Fire at 120-year-old building in Burlington considered suspicious by authorities
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal and Halton police are investigating a suspicious fire that heavily damaged a more than 120-year-old church in northeast Burlington.
Burlington Fire was called to the Trinity Baptist Church at 4372 Appleby Line, just north of No. 2 Sideroad, at about 1:20 a.m.
The first crews on scene saw visible flames in the southwest corner of the building that eventually extended up the wall and got into the attic, destroying the roof, Deputy Fire Chief Ross Monteith said.
No one was injured, but the original church building, built in 1890, was heavily damaged.
Monteith said it was difficult for firefighters to navigate inside the old, tall building and, at a certain point, they had to refocus their efforts on saving the newer additions to the church, which escaped unscathed.
It’s too early to know what caused the blaze. Monteith said damage is likely in excess of $500,000.
Halton police spokesperson Sgt. Dana Nicholas confirmed the fire is considered suspicious.
The word “ISIS” is visible in spray paint on the building. Nicholas said police are aware of the graffiti, but added it’s too early in the investigation to know if it’s related to the fire.
At the height of the fire, there were 40 firefighters and 12 trucks on scene. The rural area does not have hydrant access, so other fire crews from Milton and Hamilton shuttled water. Fire crews remained to douse hot spots until about 10 a.m., Monteith said.
According to the church’s website, the Trinity Baptist congregation moved to the Appleby Line church in 1975.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Halton police at 905-8254747, ext. 2316.