A FIRE in Narre Warren last Saturday caused almost $150,000 damage to a factory and narrowly missed burning down a church.
The Webb Street fire took hold about 9.55pm, starting in an office at the rear of the factory before spreading to the roof area.
The Narre Warren Christian Church, located in the factory next door, had to be broken into to continue firefighting efforts, a CFA spokesman said.
Pastor Keith Vethaak said it was a miracle the fire didn’t take hold of the church.
“We didn’t suffer any damage.
“The only problem we had was no power,” Mr Vethaak said.
He said the church community had already begun offering assistance to the owner of the neighbouring business damaged by the fire.
“We had a collection straight away and we will be having another collection on Sunday. It is pretty upsetting for all involved,” he said.
Mr Vethaak praised the efforts of Narre Warren and Hallam CFA crews in helping to contain the blaze.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.