Following the fire
The fire at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church spread rapidly. Gallant efforts by Hillsboro and neighboring fire departments saved homes around the church campus.
Unfortunately, the church and adjoining buildings could not be saved.
Following is a time line of events:
SUNDAY
— 12:30 p.m.: Rod Jost, youth minister, said everyone was believed to be out of the buildings.
— 3:30 p.m.: Ron Warkentin smells smoke as he is walking by the church.
— 3:49 p.m.: Marion County dispatch receives call from members of the Kansas Mennonite Men's Chorus reporting a fire in the sanctuary (church).
— 4 p.m.: Members of the Hillsboro Fire Department respond to the call.
— Electricity is disconnected to buildings on church campus. Thirty-five to 40 residents are without electricity until Monday morning.
— 4:30 p.m.: Homes near the fire scene are evacuated. Residents begin loading valuables in trucks.
— 5:15 p.m.: Entire sanctuary is engulfed. Fire begins to spread to Sunday school educational wing, building north of sanctuary. Firefighters spray water on neighboring houses.
— Early evening: Sanctuary roof collapses. Fire continues to spread through educational wing and house south of sanctuary.
— Firefighters remain on the scene throughout the night, spraying water as the fire continues to spread and burn.
Monday:
— Firefighters continue to spray water on building with flames still visible.
— State fire marshal and ATF personnel arrive to begin investigation.
— 5:30 p.m.: Steve Garrett, city administrator, holds news conference. Updates public and thanks communities for support.
— Firefighters continue vigil at fire scene.
— Water is periodically pumped from the basement of the office building.
Tuesday:
— Firefighters and city personnel assist church members with removal of salvageable items from basement and office area of north building. Items are stored in the former Vogt's IGA store, across the street from the church.
— Smoke continues to billow from the educational wing and office areas.
— 5:30 p.m.: Pastor Bruce Porter makes contact with Rod Jost, youth minister. Porter is informed about the fire and makes plans to return to Hillsboro.
— Early evening: Fire flares up in large area in office building. Water is sprayed on area.
— 7:30 p.m.: Members of the congregation meet to pray and discuss the recent events.
Wednesday:
— 2:45 a.m.: Firefighters battle another flare-up of fire in the office building. Water is used to douse the flames.
— 7 a.m.: More flames are noticed by firefighters. Firefighters continue to spray the structure until 10 a.m.
— Firefighters continue to monitor the scene and spray flames as they appear.
— Residents east of the burned buildings are still not allowed to return home due to the instability of the structure.
