BURLINGTON COUNTY

Fire Burns at New Jersey Church After Pastor Smells Smoke

A historic church caught fire overnight in South Jersey putting Sunday services in jeopardy.

Flames broke out around 3:30 a.m. at Easton Bible Church along Fostertown Road in Hainesport, Burlington County.

Firefighters from nearby towns were brought in to battle back the flames. After about one hour the structure continued to smoke as crews controlled the fire.

No word yet on what ignited the blaze but a pastor who was sleeping in his home adjacent to the building with his wife and son when the fire broke out said he smelled smoke and that the fire appeared to be electrical.

"As I kind of got closer to the door I could definitely smell it a little more," said Pastor Steve Johansson.

Johansson and his family made it out unscathed and no one was injured.

The fire mostly damaged church offices and didn't appear to heavily damage to main sanctuary of the church, which has stood since the 1800s.

It isn't clear yet if the congregation of 500 will be able to attend Sunday services at the church.

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