The State Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire that destroyed the New Friendship Baptist Church in Grant Parish Thursday is not suspicious. SFMO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said investigators have determined the blaze began in a mechanical room and they are trying to determine if it was electrical or weather-related.
“So they’re still working through that but that is, of course, one of the bigger questions the community had was whether this was something that was possibly suspicious and at this time they’ve determined it is not,” said Rodrigue.
No one was injured in the fire and Rodrigue said the more than 70-year-old building in Pollock was a complete loss. She said when the 911 call came in it was early enough that the local fire department was able to respond when the blaze was contained to one part of the building.
“But unfortunately the fire was very difficult to fight for the fire department and it did take out the majority of the building,” said. Rodrigue.
A worship service was held on the church grounds under a tent Sunday, and members reportedly plan to rebuild.
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