Several area fire departments responded to a church fire Saturday evening in Mountain Grove, authorities said.
The Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove is the subject ablaze.
Official press release from the Mountain Grove Fire Department:
At approximately 18:20 Saturday, the department was dispatched to the Southside Baptist Church. The caller stated that smoke was coming from every vent on the roof.
Upon arrival, the initial caller stated we had a working fire with fire venting from the roof. Due to multiple roofs, a defensive attack was called to start.
We were mutually aided by the Cabool Fire Department, City of Houston Fire Ladder, Norwood Community Volunteer Fire Department and Mansfield. Firefighters fought the fire for approximately nine hours before all fire was located and put out after entry teams were allowed to make entry.
This is a sad loss for the community. Please keep the church and its members in your prayers.
At this point, there is an ongoing investigation with local and federal authorities. Currently, no information will be released on cause.
Another fire was reported in the area earlier today, in southern Texas County.
The Clear Springs Fire Department was called about 9:40 a.m. Saturday to a brush fire in southern Texas County.
The blaze was reported at Rebel Road and Horseshoe Bend. Later, another one was reported on Pine Road.