Extra-alarm fire destroys church in Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE Ill. — An investigation is underway after a church was destroyed in an extra-alarm fire in Downers Grove.

The blaze started just after 6 a.m. Monday at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School in the 500 block of 63rd Street.

The fire caused a partial roof collapse over the classrooms of the school.

According to the fire department, crews made an aggressive interior attack to extinguish the fire but had to back out due to the heavy flames. Eventually, crews were able to battle the fire from outside.

The church was unoccupied at the time of the fire. No one was injured.

“We are very blessed our police were on scene and called the fire department,” Merchantz said. “It could have been a total loss if they hadn’t taken care of it.”

The cause of the fire is unknown, but sources told WGN News that a vehicle crash into a utility pole impacted the high-voltage lines that service the church.

“Our electric service is in the back of the building,” Merchantz said. “It appears the electric service may have received a surge and it burned out.”

Jonathan VanWyngaarden recalled his special connection with the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School. It’s where his son went to preschool.

“Right where his classroom was, the roof is caved in over it,” he said. “It’s hard to see.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.