Arson charge after fire at Colonial Manor United Methodist Church in West Deptford
WEST DEPTFORD - A man who used a butane torch to scare insects in a storage space is accused of causing a blaze that injured a firefighter here.
Brian Cannon, 44, is charged with arson and aggravated assault in connection with an early-morning fire at Colonial Manor United Methodist Church on April 20, according to West Deptford police.
A Woodbury firefighter suffered severe burns to the hands, and was released after hospital treatment.
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A probable cause statement says Cannon went to the Elberne Avenue church at 5 a.m. to remove items from a storage space.
Cannon had permission to keep gasoline, spray paint, tools and other items in an area under the church's exterior stairs, the statement says.
"The location was frequently infested by spider crickets," the statement says.
"Cannon would commonly scare off the crickets with a butane torch and would spray brake cleaner at the crickets,’ it adds.
The statement alleges Cannon sprayed brake fluid inside the storage area, and later said he could not remember if he had ignited the butane torch.
According to the statement, Cannon fell asleep after going to the church. He was awakened later in the day by someone who told him about the fire, which was reported at 6:40 a.m.
The charges against Cannon are only allegations. He has not been convicted in the case.
The church's sanctuary and fellowship hall escaped the fire with only "smoke-related issues," noted Pastor Walter Mander.
"The fire was on the second floor of the partially attached building built in 1922," he said in an April 26 email. "The fire destroyed our thrift shop and damaged our food pantry."
He said the food pantry, which regularly serves more than 50 people, remains closed and cannot accept donations of food.
"This week we have been able to obtain the permissions and certifications that we need to safely be back in the brick part of the building that houses our sanctuary on the second floor," said Mander.
"The electric has been restored to that part of the building and it is being cleaned and the air is being scrubbed of smoke odors," he added.
He said the church is "tentatively planning to have a worship celebration" on May 5 at 11 a.m.
The food pantry could re-open in new quarters by June 1.
"We anticipate that the damaged section will be rebuilt, hopefully not need to be demolished," he said.
Insurance will cover most expenses, "but there will be extra costs involved in navigating this tragedy," the pastor said.
Checks intended to help the church should be payable to Colonial Manor United Methodist Church, and should be designated for "Fire Recovery" or "Food Pantry Recovery."
They can be mailed to Colonial Manor United Methodist Church, Attn: Pastor Walter Mander, 56 Elberne Ave., West Deptford 08096.
Online donations can be made to https://www.givesendgo.com/ColonialManorUMC.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: West Deptford church faces recovery challenge after alleged arson
