Essex Church Faces Damage After Accidental Fire Incident

Members of St Mary’s Church in Bocking, Braintree, are grappling with the aftermath of a small fire that caused significant damage to the hall’s ceiling on October 31. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly extinguished.

The incident occurred early in the day when the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 08:36. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a small fire in the church’s ceiling, which they believe was caused by an electrical fault. The swift response from the fire service prevented further damage and ensured the safety of the premises.

Father Rod expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking the fire service for their prompt action. He noted, “Firstly a huge thank you to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for attending the Church Hall so quickly this morning and making everything safe.” He emphasized that the hall was not in use at the time of the fire, which helped mitigate potential harm.

Despite the quick response, the damage to the ceiling is substantial. Father Rod described the situation as “devastating,” highlighting the impact on the church community. He mentioned that all hall users would be temporarily affected as they await guidance from insurance providers on the next steps.

In his post, Father Rod reassured the community, stating, “Timings on reopening as well as potential costs will become clearer in the coming days but we will try to keep people updated as much as we can.” He acknowledged the efforts of volunteers who have been helping to tidy up and communicate with members of the church.

A representative from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the details of the incident, stating, “Firefighters were called to a fire in a church in Church Street, Bocking at 08:36. Crews extinguished the fire and believe it was caused by an electrical fault.”

As the church begins the recovery process, the community remains hopeful for a swift reopening. Updates will be provided as the situation develops, and Father Rod expressed appreciation for the understanding and support of the church’s members during this challenging time.