The Liberty Fire Department responded to a fire call at 3716 US 90, the location of the Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witness Church, around 4:15 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed light smoke coming from the back of the building, prompting them to enter through a rear door to investigate the source of the fire.
“We started pulling ceilings down trying to locate the fire,” said Fire Chief Brian Hurst. “It was hard to find. We located the fire in the front exterior wall. It looks like a possible electrical fire.”
While firefighters successfully saved the building, it sustained significant water damage.
“The fire burned through one of the water pipes and flooded one office and part of the church’s electrical room,” Hurst explained.
The quick response and early reporting of the fire were critical in preventing a total loss of the structure.
“It could have been much worse,” said Hurst, commending the efforts of his department.
Firefighters were able to wrap up their efforts and return to service by 6 p.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by City of Liberty Fire Marshal Ashley Pate.
Assisting with the fire were Liberty County ESD 2 and Liberty County ESD 7.
