By Christina Santucci and Sarina Trangle
Fire marshals determined electrical wiring sparked the two-alarm blaze that damaged a South Jamaica church Monday and sent four firefighters to the hospital.
The Fire Department said firefighters rushed to Deliverance Tabernacle Church of Christ, at 144-01 Sutter Ave., where flames had broken out in the basement around 3 a.m.
The blaze quickly spread to the first floor and was upgraded to a two-alarm fire, the FDNY said.
The 105 firefighters at the church put out the flames within an hour and a half, but authorities said four of them were brought to Jamaica Hospital with minor injuries.
FDNY marshals announced Tuesday evening that electrical wiring started the fire in the three-story church.
Tonee Johnson, a Brooklyn minister who grew acquainted with Deliverance Tabernacle through his church’s fellowship with the congregation, said it appeared as though Deliverance Tabernacle would have to contend with extensive wreckage, including a ruined organ, keyboard, drum set and microphone system.
“Whatever assistance they can get, they are going to need it,” said Johnson, a minister at Oil of Joy Ministries. “I really hope that the community rallies behind them.”
Johnson said Deliverance Tabernacle had attracted between 60 and 70 worshipers since opening in South Jamaica about 15 years ago.
He said the non-denominational Christian church had been working on opening an after-school program and previously established a summer Bible camp and food pantry initiative that involved handing out groceries.
“I am so saddened [sic] by this whole thing because they are wonderful people,” Johnson said, after snapping photos of the boarded-up building.
Reach reporter Sarina Trangle at 718-260-4546 or by e-mail at strangle@cnglocal.com.
