At approximately 7am on Thursday, Engine 72 (Middletown) was dispatched for a fire alarm sounding at the Christ Reformed United Church of Christ at 12 S. Church Street. Engine 72 arrived with nothing evident and was investigated. Moments later Engine 72's officer advised of smoke showing on the Charlie side roof area and requested the box to be filled. Rescue Engine 11, Tower 1, Utility 1 and chief 1 responded on the box with 12 personal. Chief 7 arrived and assumed the South Church Street command and requested the safety dispatch. Command advised of a working fire in the cockloft area of the church on the Charlie side, moments later a second alarm was requested bringing Canteen 1, Ambulance 18 and Tanker 1 to the call. Rescue Engine 11 arrived and laid a line from Main Street to the rear of the church, and then stretched a line into the Charlie side of the structure. Engine Tanker 34 Was diverted from the safety and picked up Rescue engine 11's line. Tower 1 arrived and reported to the charily-delta corner. Chief 8 who was the Charlie side group leader was advising command of worsening conditions on the rear and requesting additional crews and lines. Tower 1 and Utility 1 combined as crew of 8 was split per the request of command and a line was put into service. The remanding crew worked on gaining access so the Tower could set up in the charily-delta corner. Crews worked quickly to contain the fire as there was minimal access to the cockloft. After the fire was contained crews stayed on the scene for extensive overhaul. Units operating did an excellent job holding the fire.
