On Thursday morning at 07:05 hours, Engine Company 7 was dispatched for the AAF across the street from the Firehouse at 12 South Church Street. Engine 72 with 4 pulled out and arrived on the scene with nothing evident from the Alpha side. As the crew entered the Christ Reform Church, they were met by Church membership advising them of nothing visible from the interior, just an odor. As Lt. Flook started to complete a 360 of the exterior, Heavy smoke was found on the Charlie side. The call was upgraded to a full Box.
 
As units began to mark up, the Lieutenant on E-72 (DFRS – Richman) established the South Church St. Command. The crew advanced the 250’ crosslay into the sanctuary. As the crew popped several scuttles, no fire was found. The crew then went to the exterior, threw a ladder, and advanced a second attack line up to the bump out where the smoke was visible. As they entered the area, the fire vented itself. 
 
Chief 7 (Harne) arrived soon after, got a report from the Engine Officer, and then assumed the Command. As the crew worked on opening up the area involved, apparatus was assigned positions, and crews were dispersed to assist. A Safety Task Force (RIT Assignment) and Second Alarm was requested due the building type and possible progress of the fire. Multiple Tactical channels were utilized for the Operations, Second alarm units, and the Rehab Section. Rehab was established at Station 7. The Air Unit from 4 and Canteen 1 was added to assist, and also staged in front of Station 7.
 
Due to the aggressive tactics and “thinking outside of the box” of the first arriving crews, the fire was contained to the area of origin. Though the sanctuary sustained smoke damage, most of the interior memorabilia was saved by the firefighting crews. Since the incident, church membership has advised us that the sanctuary will be redone within 6 months.
Thanks to all the responding units and Officers that assisted on the fire.
First Alarm units - E-72, RE-74, E-122, E-82, RE-11, Truck 50, Truck 4-1 and A-209

Safety Task Force - ET-34, Tower 1, A-19 and Medic 20

Second Alarm - E-22, RE-211, E-311, WC RE-61, WC ET-63, WC Truck 6, Truck 5, WC E-81, WC RS-69, ET-204, E-111, and RS-24.

Addition Support units - Canteen 1, Air unit 4, Utility 1 and Utility 21.

Support Staff - Chief 7 (Command), Chief 12, Chief 12-1, Chief 8 (C/D Division), Chief 1(Roof/Vent Group), D/C 20 (RIT Leader), FD 200 (Secondary Channels), FD 236 (Rehab), FD 1, FD 400, FD 401 (Exterior Safety), BC 901 (Command Post), Safety 901 (Interior Safety), FD 300 (Division 1), FD 301 (PIO), and the State and County FM's.