6-Alarm fire breaks out at Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge after Easter service

On Sunday, April 9, 2023, at approximately 17:30 hours, a fire broke out at Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge at 311 Broadway Street. Authorities stated that shortly after Cambridge Police and firemen arrived at the scene, they quickly called for a 2nd alarm for backup, and they knew the fire was going to grow rapidly.

Yesterday afternoon, Cambridge Firefighters with extensive mutual aid, battled a 6-Alarm blaze in the Faith Lutheran Church on Broadway. Companies arrived to Heavy Fire in the main rectory on floor 1, which quickly extended through the walls to the steeple/cockloft (Cont.) pic.twitter.com/hGesxo2TWZ

— 857_Fire_Photography (@857FirePhotos) April 10, 2023

The 6th alarm was called at approximately 20:40 hours and Cambridge Fire Chief Tom Cahill stated that the fire was finally knocked down by 22:30 hours. Authorities had Broadway between Norfolk & Prospect closed to ensure the safety of civilians. They knew this fire was going to get big be an extended operation.

I) 6 alarms Box 6-285: Six alarms were ordered on Easter Sunday, 9 April 2023, Box 6-285, for the fire in the Faith Lutheran Church, 311 Broadway.
Firefighters from 18 engine companies, 8 ladder companies, 3 squads, Rescue 1, & command and support units worked at the fire. pic.twitter.com/Nb4xM2ojsA

— Cambridge Fire Dept. (@CambridgeMAFire) April 10, 2023

Thanks to all the mutual aid partners, Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Boston, Chelsea, Lexington, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, & Watertown, the fire was able to be put out as quickly and safely as possible. It was said that authorities believe no one was in the church when the fire started, and as of right now, there is no knowledge of any injuries besides a few minor injuries on firemen.

On Easter Sunday, a CPD Officer saw smoke coming from a church and called for @CambridgeMAFire. CFD and mutual aid responders worked into the night to bring what was a 6-alarm fire under control. CPD Officers have remained on-scene throughout the incident to provide assistance. pic.twitter.com/WBLLf9811O

— Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association (@cppoa1969) April 11, 2023

Rev. Robin Lutjohann, the church’s pastor, stated that “Even though this is a huge blow to us, and even though I’m filled with sadness and worry at the same time, I know that God is with us, and we will trust God to lead us forward,” as it is a very sad thing to have your church endure a major fire on Easter.

III) 6 alarms Box 6-285: No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause and origin of the fire will be under investigation.
Time of the initial alarm: 529 pm
Group 2 on duty
IC: DFC Ikels relieved by Chief Cahill pic.twitter.com/3zVCKVyzRB

— Cambridge Fire Dept. (@CambridgeMAFire) April 10, 2023

The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under active investigation. Most of the church has collapsed and the extent of damages is also unknown. Firemen were told to watch the church overnight just in case more of the structure collapses overnight. There is no further information at this time.

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