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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.