Three buildings, including a century-old church, were destroyed by a fire in the small city of Greenwood in British Columbia. Residents reported that Saint Jude’s Anglican Church, built in 1901, and a former elementary school were among the buildings destroyed. Located in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Greenwood has a population of around 700. The city did not confirm the specifics of the three buildings destroyed, but stated that a garage was also lost and some surrounding homes were damaged by the fire.
The city of Greenwood has asked the public not to speculate and to allow emergency services to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire before any further statements are released. The city expressed gratitude towards its volunteer fire department, as well as the Midway Fire Rescue and Grand Forks Fire Rescue teams, who assisted in battling the blaze. Midway is located approximately 10 minutes southwest of Greenwood, while Grand Forks is around 30 minutes southeast of the city.
The former elementary school that was destroyed had been listed for sale and was reportedly in the process of being renovated. The Anglican Church, which expressed dismay over the destruction of Saint Jude’s, also expressed gratitude that there was no loss of life in the fire. The church’s heart goes out to the person who lost their home in the blaze. Bishop Lynne McNaughton of the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay described the loss of Saint Jude’s as a blow to the Anglican community and a sad day for the people of Greenwood. The church had been a place of worship and community since its construction in 1901.
The destruction of Saint Jude’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest buildings in Greenwood, is seen as a significant loss for the community. It has served as a testament to the shared history of the Anglican community and has been a gathering place for worship and community activities for over a century. The city of Greenwood is reeling from the loss of these historic buildings, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Once the investigation into the fire is complete, more information will be provided to the public.
As the community of Greenwood mourns the loss of these historic buildings, there is a sense of unity and solidarity in the face of the tragedy. The support of emergency services and neighboring fire departments is acknowledged as crucial in containing the fire and preventing further damage. The city is committed to assisting those affected by the fire and ensuring that the community comes together to recover and rebuild in the wake of this devastating event. The impact of the fire on the residents of Greenwood is significant, and the city is calling for support and understanding as they navigate the aftermath of this destructive blaze.
