SURRY COUNTY, N.C. (WFMY) – Firefighters battled a large church fire in Mount Airy Monday night.
The fire started around 5:30 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in the Toast community. Thirteen area departments responded to the fire.
PHOTOS | Church Fire In Mount Airy
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John Shelton, Surry Co. Emergency Services Director, said the church is a total loss. The SBI and ATF are investigating as is protocol in the case of a church fire. Tuesday, Shelton said the fire started in the electrical panel.
Fire crews said flames were through the roof as they arrived. The back wall of the church collapsed
Pastor Randy Edwards was on the scene of the fire, surveying the devastating loss. This was his reaction when he first saw the flames:
"I couldn't believe it. What can we do? How do we stop this? I don't think there's words really to describe all the emotions you're going through at that time, it's devastating."
No one was injured in the fire. Pastor Edwards said no one was in the building all day to his knowledge.
Pastor Edwards also emphasized that they have to keep the faith going. With that mindset, he said they will still have Sunday service despite the loss. Service will either be held in the building behind what once stood their church, or at the elementary school next door.
Fire officials remained on scene past 11:30 p.m. Monday investigating and checking for hot spots.
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