May 25--Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a small Jefferson County church Saturday night.
Firefighters responded just after 8:30 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames erupting from the House of Prayer, 837 Hopewell St. in Dandridge, said Fire Chief Andy Riley, with the Dandridge Volunteer Fire Department.
The flames were reported just as church members were finishing their Saturday night service, and quickly consumed the building, he said. Riley estimated the old, tin-roof church to be about 3,000 square feet.
No injuries were reported, the fire chief said.
Fire crews with four other volunteer agencies also responded. Personnel remained on scene extinguishing hot spots for about four hours.
Riley said it was too early to speculate on a possible cause. An investigation by his department, along with the Dandridge Police Department, is underway.
More details as they develop online and in Monday's News Sentinel.
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