Parishioners at Welland Be In Christ Church will need a new place to worship after flames consumed their church Sunday night.

Welland Fire and Emergency Services Chief Brian Kennedy estimated damage to the Lincoln Street building at $750,000.

He said an investigator from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was expected to be on scene Monday afternoon.

Kennedy said Welland's fire prevention officers will also be investigating the cause of the blaze.

"There's nothing suspicious at this time . Niagara Regional Police are holding the scene for us."

Firefighters were dispatched at 7:06 p.m. Sunday when multiple callers reported smoke and flames coming from the church on the north side of the street. Heavy smoke blew northeast from the blaze, creating poor visibility on side streets - Elmwood, Oakland and Wilton avenues.

Sunday, Kennedy said wind speeds were reported to be at least 80 km/h at the time of the fire but believed they were stronger.

Firefighters also had to contend with chilly conditions and blowing snow.

"There were some periods of snowfall where it was driving sideways in the wind."

When firefighters arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke and fire on the northwest side of the building. They quickly conducted a heavy, aggressive interior attack.

The fire service had to switch to a defensive attack from the outside and pulled all interior crews out due to structural concerns. Fire trucks were heard blaring their horns two different times during the fire, signalling firefighters inside to immediately exit the building.

"The ceiling did come down on the north side . there was a report from our aerial truck that it was coming down about where our guys were inside," said Kennedy.

"They were in danger, for sure. But they were conducting a very aggressive interior attack."

The wind-fuelled fire extended into voids over the church sanctuary and firefighters were trying to get at it from underneath.

Nineteen career firefighters and 31 volunteers fought the fire, which saw Niagara Regional Police close Lincoln Street between Prince Charles Drive and Mayfair Drive.

Welland called on Pelham's fire department for mutual aid, and in response it sent its aerial truck.

"I have to thank our friends from Pelham Fire for their assistance," the chief said.

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Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics were on standby at the scene, and while there no injuries reported at the time, Monday morning Kennedy said one volunteer firefighter did injure a knee during overhaul at the scene. The volunteer was treated at hospital and released.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 2:23 a.m., 7� hours after they arrived.

Kennedy said the walls of the church seemed intact, but the roof, especially in the centre of the building, was destroyed.

The fire damage could have been much worse, he said, had it not been for the initial aggressive attack

"The guys did an awesome job containing the fire . I can't say enough about what they did," he said, given the conditions they faced. "That the building is standing is incredible."

Kennedy said during the fire, employees from the nearby Tim Hortons on Prince Charles Drive brought coffee and food to the firefighters.

"That was greatly appreciated . we have great community partners," said Kennedy who thanked the store's manager Monday morning and asked to pass along his thanks to the franchise owners.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

905-684-7251 | @DaveJTheTrib

- High winds fuel fire at Welland church