Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Blackstone catches fire

NOTTOWAY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A church on Mount Nebo Road in Blackstone is severely damaged after officials said it caught on fire last night.

At around 11:23 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church, located at 476 Mount Nebo Road.

While en route, crews said they received additional information that the church was fully engulfed and the roof had collapsed.

Upon arrival, firefighters began a defensive fire attack and received help from different agencies.

(Photo: Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department)

"We used over 50,000 gallons of water to bring the fire under control," said Blackstone Fire Chief Zac Beares in a statement to 8News.

Officials said firefighters remained on scene for about five hours before returning to service.

No additional information is available at this time.

Mount Nebo Baptist Church took to social media Saturday night to thank community members for their prayers and kind messages after the fire.

"Though our church has been touched by fire, our faith remains unshaken. Buildings may burn, but God's presence cannot be destroyed. We trust Him to bring restoration, strength and hope through this season," the church wrote.