Response saves Jay church
Firemen prepare to enter Jay church during Sunday's fire
An alert driver on Highway 89 in Jay spotted smoke coming from the roof vents of Concord Primitive Baptist Church Sunday morning that prompted five fire departments to respond and quickly bring the blaze under control.
Jay Fire Chief Tony Simmons said someone saw the smoke about 8 a.m. Sunday and called 911. The church is located about two miles past Jay High School and about a half mile from the Jay Fire Department.
Simmons said when firemen got to the scene the fire was in the attic and was quickly extinguished. Firemen then worked to remove the smoldering insulation from the attic.
"The fire was out minutes after we arrived," Simmons said.
Simmons said the church suffered smoke and water damage but noted it could have been worse if the call hadn't come in so quickly.
In addition to the Jay Fire Departments, fire departments from Berrydale, Allentown, Century and Flomaton responded.
Simmons said the exact cause of the blaze has not been determined, but noted the state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause.
Attempts to contact members of the church were unsuccessful as of press time Wednesday.
