Fire damages Kennett church during overnight storms

FOX23 Sales Team

KENNETT, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters responded to a church fire and several other emergency calls during overnight storms in Kennett.

The Kennett Fire Department was called to Solid Rock Church on Harrison Street around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. When crews arrived, they found heavy flames coming from the church steeple.

Firefighters contained the fire to the roof and steeple area. Water damage was reported in the church’s balcony and sound booth.

While crews were at the church, the department received three additional calls involving lightning strikes. The fire department also experienced a complete loss of radio communications during the response.

Kennett police assisted with communications until the department’s radio system was restored.

Firefighters remained at Solid Rock Church until about 5:30 a.m.

Around 8 a.m., firefighters were called to First United Methodist Church after smoke was reported inside the building. Crews determined the smoke was coming from an HVAC unit. No damage was reported.

The Kennett Fire Department urged residents to remain alert during severe weather and have multiple ways to receive emergency weather warnings.