Fire Tears Through Historic Durban Church On Easter Friday

A pre-dawn blaze tore through St John The Divine Church on Clark Road in Durban’s Bulwer area on Easter Friday, causing significant damage to part of the historic structure.

Emergency services were alerted at around 5am, reporting a structural fire at the church.

Durban Firefighters Contain Blaze Within 30 Minutes

Divisional Commander Nqabakazi Nqoro of the eThekwini Fire Department said the first responding rescue team arrived within five minutes and found the building already engulfed in flames.

“[The building was] well alight, with flames already breaking through the roof,” she said.

Three firefighting crews were deployed to tackle the blaze. One team entered the building to combat the fire from inside, while two others worked from the eastern and western sides.

“We actually did not find any difficulties in containing the fire because we had easy access,” Nqoro said.

The fire was brought under control by approximately 5.30am, with mopping-up operations continuing later into the morning.

Key Section Destroyed While Main Worship Area Saved

Despite the intensity of the fire, firefighters managed to prevent total destruction of the church.

“We managed to save the bigger portion of the church, where people sit and worship,” Nqoro explained.

However, the section where the fire is believed to have started suffered extensive damage.

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“The side that was really damaged was where the fire started; there were a lot of papers and Bibles. This is the side where the roof collapsed; it was bad.”

She added that existing firewalls helped protect the remaining parts of the structure.

No Injuries Reported as Church Services Cancelled

No injuries or missing persons were reported. The security guard who lives on the property was not present at the time, as he was reportedly on holiday.

The church has since been cordoned off, and services have been cancelled.

“Even if there was going to be a service because of the situation, it would not have continued because the other side suffered extensive damage,” Nqoro said.

Built in 1922, the church is regarded as an architectural landmark, noted for its detailed interior and design.

According to the South African National Society, the church features symmetrical arches, roof trusses over the nave, and commemorative plaques throughout the interior.

Its stained-glass windows and distinctive brick bell tower further contribute to its historic and aesthetic significance.