Video released of the moments a Barrie church fire erupted causing over $2 million damage
Stunning video has been released from a fire that broke out at a downtown Barrie church last month.
Police believe they have the man responsible behind bars, while parts of the 140-year-old church are in ruins.
"Now that the police investigation has completed, we've had a chance to go and look at our own security footage and do our own investigation," said Mark Hoffman, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church's chairperson of the board of managers.
Surveillance video outside the church on February 19 appear to show a man walking up to the building and entering at 8:23 p.m. where church officials say an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was already underway inside the church.
"We saw 28 people go into the building, continued to watch the footage as the meeting ended and saw 27 people leave," said Hoffman.
It wasn't until about an hour later Hoffman said that same man was seen leaving from the church's back door.
"Just seconds before flames started to come out of the library," Hoffman said.
Sped-up video shows flames erupting from the library, smoke billowing out within two minutes of the man leaving the church.
Seconds later, fire crews were called to try and get it under control.
Firefighters at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Sun. Feb. 19, 2023. (Courtesy: Michael Chorney / At the Scene Photography)
With the church still unsafe to enter, its members are forced to gather elsewhere.
"St. Andrew's actually started the Out of the Cold program, over, I think, 25 years ago. God calls us to be his hands and to care for people, and that includes caring for people who are marginalized and who may not be able to care for themselves," said Laurie Watt, communications coordinator.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Barrie, Ont. is damaged from a fire on Sun., Feb 19, 2023 (CTV News/Catalina Gillies)
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Undeterred by this tragedy, Hoffman said the church ensured all community groups who used their building had liability insurance.
"And it should protect us in a situation like that," Hoffman said.
Police arrested and charged 37-year-old Lance Freeman with arson.
Freeman has battled mental health challenges for several years.
The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
The full extent of damage done to the building is still being assessed, though right now, it's estimated to have surpassed $2 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.