Cleanup begins after Portsmouth church fire

Fire forces bridge players to evacuate Portsmouth church

PORTSMOUTH Crews descended on the First United Methodist Church Tuesday to begin making repairs and cleaning up after a fire broke out in the area of a wall around a front door Monday afternoon.

Fire damage was confined to the wall and door that leads to a hallway outside an activities room, but smoke filled the church, leaving soot in the sanctuary and other rooms and a smoky smell throughout the stone building that dates to the early 1900s.

Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, which began just before 1:30 p.m. at the church on Miller Avenue.

Workers from Insurcomm Construction of Portsmouth spent Tuesday scrubbing the inside walls, floors, ceiling and stained glass windows to remove the soot and the odor of smoke.

Outside, carpenters began rebuilding the damaged doors that were removed from the arched front doorway.

Pastor Sue Ellery said the work is expected to be completed in time for the church to hold a memorial service on Saturday, and its weekly worship service on Sunday.

We have a building full of people at work, she said.

Clear plastic was placed over the pews and other furniture as crews cleaned up. Rugs, cushions and fabrics also had to be treated while equipment was brought in to remove the smell of smoke.

Ellery isnt sure how much the repairs and cleanup will cost, but said the church has insurance that should cover the bill.

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Cleanup begins after Portsmouth church fire