Fire breaks out at church in Germantown [updated]

Numerous engine and ladder companies responded last night to a fire at the former St. Francis of Assisi Church in Southwest Germantown.

Philly Fire News reports that the fire started at approximately 8:40 p.m. at the church, located on the 4800 block of Greene St. PFN said that the fire, which resulted in an “all-hands” assignment of firefighters, started on the first floor of the church.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately available.

The church was closed by 2012 by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and was the site of several subsequent burglaries, one of which resulted in the taking of a depiction of a Station of the Cross valued at $60,000.

Stephanie Brophy, spokesperson for the Archdiocese confirmed that a one-year lease for the site was entered with Victory Community Church on Nov.1. Neighbors said that VCC had their first service at the church this past Sunday.

While “for sale” signs are present on the building, Brophy was unable to confirm whether the building is currently still for sale or for lease.

Stay tuned to NewsWorks for additional details.