Fire Damages Effingham Assembly Church Overnight

(PHOTO COURTESY EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Fire damaged the Effingham Assembly of God church building on South Banker overnight.

Fire Chief Joe Holomy said the cause of the fire was determined to be from a bird's nest behind an exterior cross mounted on the wall above an entryway that had a light illuminating from behind.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 10:36pm. When officials had confirmation there was a fire, Holomy upgraded the call to a full still, bringing in fire companies from Teutopolis, Watson, Shumway and Montrose, along with Abbott EMS.

The first firefighters on scene reported heavy fire conditions from the peak of the roof at the north end of the church complex. A quick burst from the pre-piped deck gun on the fire engine extinguished much of the fire. Firefighters made entry to the church complex and reported light smoke conditions and minimal heat. 

(AS THINGS LOOKED WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED)

The fire was reported under control at 10:55pm. Crews remained on scene checking for any signs of fire extension, set up tarps to protect interior furnishings from water and overhaul operations, and began to remove water from the front entryway of the sanctuary with squeegees.

Damage to the structure is estimated at $30,000 with an additional $20,000 damage to contents. No injuries were reported.

Effingham City police and Effingham County Sheriff's Department assisted with traffic control.

All companies cleared the scene at 12:56 this morning.