‘The loss is very real’: Island Gospel Fellowship’s sanctuary destroyed in fire
Island Gospel Fellowship’s sanctuary is engulfed in flames in the early hours of December 22, 2025, in Burns Lake, B.C. (Photo supplied)
During the early hours of December 20, 2025, a fire was reported at the sanctuary of Island Gospel Fellowship (IGF), Burns Lake, B.C. By the time volunteers from the Fire and Rescue team arrived, the church sanctuary was completely engulfed in flames. Nevertheless, with the help of firefighters the firewall between the sanctuary and gymnasium held up, with the newer auditorium receiving only smoke and water damage. The fire was immediately deemed suspicious, and local RCMP announced on December 22 that a suspect had been arrested and charged with arson.
For the congregation of IGF, the loss is very real. Many memories and countless hours of volunteer work have been destroyed. Currently the congregation has dispersed among other churches in the area for worship. It is hoped that the smoke and water damage in the gymnasium and surrounding area will soon be fixed and we will be able to resume worship gatherings early in the new year. If this is not possible, the congregation will seek an interim gathering place.
This tragedy not only impacts our own congregation. The IGF facility has also served as a gathering place for various community functions and rentals. We hope that we will again be able to welcome the community to our facility.
Looking back on recent events, the people of Island Gospel have much to be thankful for. We are grateful for the heroic efforts of local firefighters and other first responders. Our thanks also go to local tradesmen who moved quickly to pump water from the basement and restore heating and lights to the gymnasium, preventing further damage. We are thankful to other churches who have prayed for us and extended hospitality in offering the use of their facilities. We are grateful to the community of Burns Lake for their support, concern and love.
As a congregation, we believe that the church is so much more than a building—it is God’s people who gather to worship and serve the Lord. We also believe that God works in difficult times, strengthening his people so that all things work for God’s glory and our good. The fire at IGF is a sad event but, with God’s help, we will rise stronger than ever.
On Christmas Eve, the congregation gathered in the parking lot of the church next to the burned down structure. We lit candles representing our hope and prayer that the love of Jesus will shine in the darkness. We gave thanks for God’s provision and grace in this time of loss. We also prayed that God would bring healing to the young man who started the fire. We stand with his family who are grieving and confused by these events. They need our compassion and support as their loss is great.
The Gospel of John declares: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (1:5). It is our prayer to shine the light of Jesus despite our loss.
IGF congregants gather on Christmas Eve to light candles as a sign of hope. (Photo supplied)
