The Philadelphia Fire Department helped stop the raging three-alarm fire that destroyed Our Mother of Consolacion Catholic School on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania.

According to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, no one was in the building and the convent was evacuated due to its proximity to the school. 

Fire Razes Chestnut Hill Catholic School

Philadelphia Fire Department disclosed that at least 120 personnel and 50 trucks responded to the incident. A firefighter was slightly hurt fighting the blaze and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the entire building was consumed by fire and smoke. Firefighters arrived to find the fire spread across the building, into the attic and ceiling.

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said that because of the layout of most churches, a fire could quickly spread across the building. He also noted that many religious buildings lack fire sprinklers. 

Sprinkler systems installed in buildings significantly improve the safety of the occupants and the building's contents in the event of a fire. The fire started during classes in the school. 

Kelly Carroll, a Pre-K teacher at Our Mother of Consolation, said she saw black smoke all over the top of the building. 

MSN reported that Carroll and about 30 after-school program participants were outside when they noticed the odor and saw the smoke. She reportedly dialed 9-1-1 and hurried her class to a neighbor's house across the street to wait for their parents.

The school's principal, Dr. Patricia Sheetz, was glad everyone practiced fire drills. 

"Our faculty, they are fine. Our staff and the firefighters are OK. As sad as it is, we are a very strong community. We will rebuild," the principal stated, as quoted in the report.

About Our Mother of Consolacion Catholic School

The Our Mother of Consolacion Catholic Church strives to establish a community where everyone feels welcome and safe to share its unique perspectives and experiences. 

It takes pride in the fact that it is economically, racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse. It is also committed to making sure everything stays in check.

According to its website, OMC students' standardized test scores throughout the board are significantly higher than national averages and among the top in the archdiocese. OMC is grateful to have families who value education and want to help make the school a gateway for secular and religious teachings. 

As well as helping with administrative tasks and reducing expenses, regular parental attendance at school fosters a culture of service, which the students absorb.

Mission

The children of parishioners and anyone else who puts their trust in Our Mother of Consolation Parish School receive an excellent education. 

Per the website, the mission of a Catholic school is to instill Christian ideals in its students so that they may go out into the world and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

A qualified faculty promotes students' intellectual, moral, and spiritual development by teaching Catholic ideals through a fully integrated curriculum. As a parish school, they foster respect and social responsibility in a faith-filled academic community.

More from Crossmap: Prominent Philly African American pastors support construction of new Sixers arena