Fire damages Austell church, sanctuary roof collapses

Austell church ruined by fire

Fire tore through the Prayer City Eagles Chapel in Austell overnight. The sanctuary roof partially collapsed, but no injuries were reported. The church had just been rebuilt after a water pipe busted and flooded the church two years ago.

AUSTELL, Ga. - Fire crews from Cobb County and Austell spent the early morning hours battling a blaze at Prayer City Eagles Chapel International Ministries on Joe Jerkins Boulevard.

Pastor talks about Austell church fire

The pastor of the church in Austell that caught on fire on Monday night spoke to FOX 5 Atlanta about what happened.

What we know:

The fire broke out around 9 p.m. Monday inside the church’s sanctuary, causing part of the roof to collapse. Firefighters used ladder trucks to pour water directly into the sanctuary, which appeared to sustain the most damage.

Cobb County fire officials said no injuries were reported, and the rest of the building — including office areas — was largely spared. 

Church leaders said the church just finished construction after it flooded two years ago from a busted pipe. 

What they're saying:

"Everything is brand new. And to hear this, to see this is very, very devastating," said Pastor Raphael Grant. "I believe that God is going to see us through. We are going to re-build again, and I believe it is going to be better than before."

"It's a pain in the heart that on Sunday I will not come to my usual place and worship," said Minister Jacky Tamo.

"Our heart is broken at this point. And we don't know what to do next, but I think God is in control," said Vincentia, who goes to the church.

"It's just heartbreaking to see something like this happen to a congregation that meant so much to the community," said Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons.

What's next:

The cause of the fire is under investigation.