News Summary
An arson investigation is underway following a fire that engulfed the abandoned Trap Church building in Greenville, South Carolina. The fire, reported around 8:30 a.m., was contained swiftly by local fire departments, but the structure is labeled a total loss. Concerns have emerged about the building’s deteriorating state and the risk of similar incidents as it becomes a shelter for homeless individuals. Authorities are investigating the history of fire incidents on the property and potential plans for future development.
Greenville Launches Arson Investigation Following Trap Church Fire
An arson investigation has been initiated following a fire at the abandoned “Trap Church” building in Greenville, South Carolina, reported on Friday morning around 8:30 a.m. Authorities suspect the fire started in multiple areas within the structure, prompting them to treat it as a possible case of arson.
The Parker Fire Department responded swiftly, managing to contain the flames to the back of the building, which was formerly known as the Bible Way Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church. No injuries were reported in connection to the fire. The site, meanwhile, has a troubling history, with the condition of the building deteriorating significantly over time.
Details of the Incident
Firefighters from the Parker, Berea, and Greenville fire departments combined their efforts to extinguish the flames, which took over three hours to control fully. Reports indicate that the interior of the Trap Church was so unsafe that firefighters faced restrictions during their response, ultimately resulting in the structure being labeled a total loss.
Concerns have been raised regarding the state of the property, especially with its previous neglect by owners, leading to unsecured structures and poor maintenance. Doors and windows are broken, and multiple holes exist in the floors of surrounding buildings on the site. The risk of such incidents appears heightened by the presence of homeless individuals frequenting the area, as mentioned by officials. It is suspected that these individuals may have inadvertently started the fire.
History of the Property
The church was sold to Ron Rallis in April 2022 as the original congregation struggled to maintain the property. In July 2022, Rallis sought to revitalize the building, painting it pink, a vision that has now faced significant setback due to the recent fire.
The Trap Church is not the only part of the property affected by fire; a previous blaze on May 14 reportedly destroyed an abandoned parsonage located on the same premises. This history of fires and the ongoing state of disrepair have raised alarms about the future of the site.
Future Plans for the Site
Despite the challenges presented by the fire and neglect, plans were being developed to transform the property into a community space, envisioned as a park and entertainment center featuring a children’s play area and food vendors. However, these plans were still in the early stages, and the recent fire now leaves the fate of the Trap Church and the parsonage uncertain.
As the investigation continues, authorities will examine all aspects of the building’s condition and the events surrounding the fire. With the community watching closely, there is hope that future developments can still breathe new life into the property in the Woodside community of Greenville.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Fox Carolina News
- Post and Courier
- Fox Carolina Video
- Audacy News
- Wikipedia: Arson
- Google Search: Trap Church Greenville
- Google Scholar: Arson Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Investigation
- Google News: Trap Church Fire
