Law Firm Addresses Growing Speculation Over Abundant Life Church Notice of Claim

BOONVILLE- It has been no secret lately that there have been some rumors circulating around that suggest the Abundant Life Church is going to end up suing the village, town and fire department in the wake of this past February's explosion that sent the church pastor, three firefighters and the fire chief all to the hospital.

Though the situation is very complex, we have gathered enough information to set the record straight and confirm these rumors are not entirely true.

Yes, a notice of claim has been served, and the village, town and fire department are all included. A notice of claim is very often the first step that is taken when a potential lawsuit is in the works.

The notice of claim was officially made accessible to the public as of Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026.

So why was this claim served? According to the Dague Law Office, the law firm responsible for putting the claim together in writing, it is required under New York State Law that a claim is to be served in such a scenario. 

It basically reserves the right for one to sue in the future and has to be filed within 90-days of the incident, but Attorney Raymond J. Dague says the church, Pastor Brandon Pitts and his family have no further intents of following up with any such legal action. 

Attorney Dague did mention that there were concerns over the public's reception and interpretation of this claim, but he emphasizes that despite what may be easy to assume, there is no intent for further lawsuit action. 

We are expected to soon speak on record with the Boonville Village Attorney Jessica Young concerning a few points she would like to make out regarding the claim.   

According to New York State Police investigators, a propane fuel line was damaged due to roof slumping caused by heavy snow accumulation.

Fire department personnel were attempting to locate the electrical panel to shut off power to the building prior to addressing the propane leak when the explosion occurred in the middle of February.

***This is a developing story and we plan on sharing more updates soon***

Boonville Fire Department image.