KSP arson investigators called-in after church fire

CORBIN, Ky. (WTVQ) – West Knox firefighters are asking State Police arson investigators to look into a fire that damaged a church building on Moore Hill Avenue Thursday afternoon, according to a report in the Corbin News Journal.

The newspaper reports firefighters were called to what emergency dispatchers called, “City of Refuge Church” at the intersection with Kennedy Avenue about 3:00 p.m. after a caller reported seeing white smoke coming from the rear of the building.

The newspaper report says a sign in front of the church had the name, “Grace City Church.”  Neighbors told the newspaper the building had been empty for several months.

Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control.

West Knox Fire Chief Darryl Baker told the Corbin News Journal the fire appeared to have started on a tire that was lying on the floor in a side room of the church. The fire had burned holes in the floor and into the wall, but the damage was limited to a small area, according to the newspaper report.

The report also says a neighbor reported seeing a vehicle parked in front of the church for a short time Thursday morning, and a second reported seeing someone running from the rear of the building.

Note:  The fire scene photo that accompanies this story is courtesy of the Corbin News Journal.