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Church Destroyed By Fire (With Photo Gallery)
May 14, 2014
Fire destroyed the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church north of Jay Wednesday.
The fire appeared to begin in the rear of the building and rapidly ripped through the sanctuary. Firefighters from across the area battled the blaze for hours but were unable to save the building. They were reportedly hampered by a lack of an adequate water supply.
Church members gathered and watching helplessly as their church building was destroyed. Many wept, many gathered in prayer for the safety of first responders. Some just stared silently as the fire consumed the building.
The sanctuary, which seats just over 200 people, and adjoining educational space were a complete loss. There were no injuries reported.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. Church members said a storm with heavy lightning passed through the area just before the storm; many speculated that lightning sparked the blaze.
Firefighters from multiple departments in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, Escambia County, and the U.S. Navy.
The photos below show the progression of the fire from before firefighters arrived on scene through the collapse of the roof over most of the building.
For more photos, click here for a gallery.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
19 Responses to “Church Destroyed By Fire (With Photo Gallery)”
As a life long member of Mt. Carmel, we are very grateful for all of the help, prayers, and support that has and is being extended to us. May God Bless each of you greatly! Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Someone needs to get Channel 3 straight on the time to get to the fire right. Makes the dept look bad and it did very good on time
There was a big lightening flash and a horrible thunder. (not saying this was the cause, just using refrence for time) Within a few minutes I heard the sirens start and my scanner said they were going to Mr. Carmel. It was just a matter of minutes that they responded to the scene. I kept hearing all the units that were being called out. I think the guys did an awsome job responding in a timely manner and thankful no one was hurt ! Remember, the people are the church….as they bind together they will be strong and continue on. Bless them all !
I am glad nobody was in the building at the time of the fire. I am very sad that this happened and my prayers goes out to everyone and God will bless you in due time.
Very sad! Many family and friends have attended this church. Pray for a speedy recovery.
Very sad for this.Have many family and friends that have attended this church.may it have a speedy recovery
The church is still there…..just the church house burned. Prayers are being said for all of you. God’s grace will be abundant for you.
Again, the WEAR 3 report about 30 minutes was wrong. The first volunteer was in the parking lot of the church in about 5 minutes, the first truck in just about 10 minutes….mostly due to distance from Jay and delays due to extremely heavy, blinding rainfall.
>>>>>I was watching channel 3 WEAR TV as they reported during the 5 pm newscast. They said it took fire crews 30 minutes to arrive on scene. If this report is true, that is just totally unacceptable.
As the mother of one of the Jay Volunteer Fire Fighters I can assure you that it was not where near 30 minutes for them to get there. My son was there in less than 10. Please remember that our fire department is VOLUNTEER. They have to get there and get to the trucks. I am thankful for my firefighter!!
>>>>>I was watching channel 3 WEAR TV as they reported during the 5 pm newscast. They said it took fire crews 30 minutes to arrive on scene. If this report is true, that is just totally unacceptable.
As the mother of one of the Jay Volunteer Fire Fighters I can assure you that it was not where near 30 minutes for them to get there. My son was there in less than 10. Please remember that our fire department is VOLUNTEER. They have to get there and get to the trucks. I am thankful for my firefighter!!
>>>I was watching channel 3 WEAR TV as they reported during the 5 pm newscast. They said it took fire crews 30 minutes to arrive on scene. If this report is true, that is just totally unacceptable.
That is not a correct report….Jay, Flomaton and some of the nearby Santa Rosa departments were there in just driving time. I was there in just over 30 minutes myself and multiple departments were there.
I was watching channel 3 WEAR TV as they reported during the 5 pm newscast. They said it took fire crews 30 minutes to arrive on scene. If this report is true, that is just totally unacceptable.
does anyone know if the Fellowship hall was salvaged, the Metal building?
hampered by a lack of an adequate water supply.
This is why we need more hydrants…….SAD
This is sad. Praying for the church family
My heart goes out to all the members of that church, I feel so sorry for them, I hope they will be able to rebuild. God be with u and God bless u all.
I have family that attends this church very sad news. Prayers go out to all the members. God will restore this church.
Glad to hear nobody injured.
Thanks to First Responders of every group.
How very sad for the community.
A very sad, tragic loss. Not only for the congregation, but for the Jay community as well. However, something good will come out of this at some future time.
This is so sad. My prayers go out to the members.