An early morning fire on Sunday, December 21, 2003, reduced a Westside Jacksonville Church into ruins, leaving a congregation without a place to worship 4 days before Christmas.
Jacksonville firefighters were called to investigate a report of smoke in the area of the West Jacksonville Church of God in Christ shortly before 7 AM. Upon arrival at the church, Engine 25 immediately called for a full assignment as heavy smoke began to show.
Firefighters immediately proceeded with an interior attack but were soon withdrawn as the fire vented itself through the roof. Minutes after withdrawing firefighters from the church, the roof caved in.
Firefighters then set up for an exterior attack as the remaining pieces of the church began to collapse and crumble.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. No firefighters were injured.
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