Blaze destroys historic Columbus church for second time in less than a year
Flames tore through the 24th Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday night, destroying the already fire-damaged structure in a blaze that broke out just after 9:00 p.m. near Veterans Parkway.
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The church had been abandoned since a fire in November 2024 left it structurally compromised. Within minutes, thick smoke and flames were visible for miles.
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Emergency crews responded quickly, deploying a ladder truck, 2–3 engines, two ambulances, a hazmat unit, and numerous police cruisers. All lanes of Veterans Parkway near the church were shut down as crews battled the fire.
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Division Chief, Fire Marshal, and Public Information Officer Daniel Macon provided details from the scene. “It was so involved when we got there, we didn’t want to send any firefighters in,” Macon explained. “We have a risk analysis: risk a lot to save a lot. We didn’t see the need to send anyone inside due to the full basement and the compromised structural integrity, so we went defensive based on what we knew.”
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Despite the building being officially vacant, fire personnel rescued one person from inside the structure once conditions allowed. That individual was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition has not been released, but investigators plan to follow up with them as part of the ongoing investigation.
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Eyewitnesses reported seeing several people fleeing the building as the fire broke out. Authorities have not confirmed how many individuals may have been inside or why they were there.
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Macon said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The structure is considered a total loss.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbus Fire and EMS.
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