CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn. — Update (6/4): Claiborne County crews have extinguished a fire that destroyed Springdale Baptist Church over the weekend.
According to Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks, crews extinguished a fire on Tuesday that had been smoldering for days.
Springdale Volunteer Fire Department Chief Matt Seals said Monday that teams were still investigating to determine what caused the fire. Brooks said on Tuesday they believe the church might have been destroyed by an electrical fire.
Original Story:
State Route 33 at Lone Mountain Road in Claiborne County was closed Saturday after flames engulfed Springdale Baptist Church, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said.
Springdale Volunteer Fire Department Chief Matt Seals said crews responded to the fire around 6:30 p.m. and worked until 2 a.m. on Sunday. The roadway reopened overnight.
"What makes it so hard in the area we're in, we are very, very rural. The hydrant we have at the school is the closest thing we have from here to the remainder of our district. It's probably gonna smolder for at least a few more days," Seals said.
Claiborne County dispatch said the church was "completely engulfed" on Saturday. No injuries were reported, and crews are still investigating to figure out what could have caused the fire.
People in Tazewell offered prayers for members of Springvale Baptist Church over the weekend after learning most of the building was destroyed.
"Thank God that nobody was injured, so it is just the building. But it is still a great loss for them. We pray for our brothers and sisters as they move forward, including their worship tomorrow," New Tazewell Methodist Church said on social media.
Seals said he believed parts of the church structure that survived would be salvageable.