News Summary
A fire broke out at the condemned Trap Church in downtown Greenville, igniting an investigation into possible arson. The blaze, which occurred in the morning, drew firefighters from multiple departments, and flames were reported on two floors. The building, notorious for its pink paint, has faced scrutiny due to previous fire incidents. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is involved in determining the fire’s cause, highlighting ongoing concerns over abandoned properties and urban safety.
Greenville, South Carolina
A fire erupted at the condemned property known as the “Trap Church” in downtown Greenville, prompting an investigation into the incident as a potential arson case. The fire occurred on Friday morning, with firefighters responding to the scene shortly after 8:30 a.m. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze.
The Trap Church, a building located on Woodside Avenue, had gained notoriety when it was painted pink for publicity purposes in July 2022. Previously known as the Bible Way Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, the property was condemned in December 2024, leaving it vacant and unused.
Upon arrival, firefighters from the Parker District Fire Department, assisted by the Greenville City Fire and Berea Fire departments, found flames and smoke visible from two floors of the building. The fire was determined to have originated from multiple areas within the structure, raising alarms about the potential for arson.
Recently, multiple fires have been reported at various buildings on the property, contributing to suspicions regarding the cause of the fire at the Trap Church. The Parker Assistant Fire Chief noted that firefighters have been conducting training exercises at the unused structure, leading to further inquiries into safety and security precautions at the site.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with fire officials in the ongoing investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Investigators are exploring leads and gathering evidence to assess whether foul play was involved.
The Trap Church’s unique appearance and history have drawn local attention, especially following its transformation into the pink structure in 2022. The building was owned by Ron Rallis at the time it was painted and later condemned. Despite its colorful exterior, the property has not seen favorable circumstances, culminating in its abandonment.
Fire officials are likely to provide updates as the investigation continues. The findings may have broader implications for fire safety regulations and arson prevention strategies in the city.
This incident represents an ongoing challenge in securing abandoned properties and preventing dangerous situations in urban communities, where vacant structures can pose serious risks to public safety.
The investigation remains active, with further details expected to emerge as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fire at the Trap Church.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Fire Reported at Greenville Trap Church
- Wikipedia: Arson
- WYFF: Arson Investigation at Pink Trap Church
- Google Search: Trap Church Greenville
- Greenville Online: Teens Suspected of Causing Wildfires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- WSPA: Explosion and Fire at Greenville Co Home
- Google News: Greenville Fire Investigation
