Kentucky church severely damaged by large fire. Firefighters saved ‘what they could’

Firefighters in Somerset battled a large structure fire Thursday, according to the Somerset Fire Department.

The fire happened at Cornerstone Baptist Church at approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday, according to the Somerset Fire Department. Firefighters saw “a rapidly growing fire in the attic area of the church” when they arrived on scene.

The classroom portion of the church suffered heavy damage, according to the fire department. The sanctuary area of the church was unharmed.

The church was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported, the fire department said.

Off-duty firefighters and surrounding fire departments responded to help put out the fire, according to the fire department. Firefighters were on scene for over eight hours putting out the fire.

Cornerstone Baptist Church said church officials are still evaluating the damage Thursday evening. No one was hurt and they appreciate the community’s thoughts.

“Thank you all for your prayers and concern. It is very much appreciated,” the church said in a Facebook post. “Please continue praying for our church family as we navigate the road ahead.”

The pastor of the church, Jamie Taylor, said the news of the fire is devastating. He also added it will likely take a few days for the church to figure out its next steps but it won’t stop the church in its tracks.

“I very thankful for all the pastors, community members that reached out yesterday,” Taylor said in a Facebook post. “The firefighters from our county did an outstanding job battling the fire and I know they were exhausted. They deserve a lot of credit for saving what they could.”

Several civilians posted photos and videos of the fire on their personal Facebook accounts. A post from DaVona Gibson shows heavy smoke and flames coming from on top of the church.

Taylor Speaks posted some photos of the damage after the fire had been put out. Speaks said on Facebook she was thankful no one was injured.