Verbena church fire under investigation

Published 10:36 pm Monday, April 18, 2016

Total loss: Big Spring Baptist Church, located off County Road 59 in Verbena, was destroyed by a fire overnight Sunday. (Photos by Stephen Dawkins)

Total loss: Big Spring Baptist Church, located off County Road 59 in Verbena, was destroyed by a fire overnight Sunday. (Photos by Stephen Dawkins)

A fire that destroyed a vacant Verbena church is under investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Under investigation: The Alabama Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating the cause of the fire.

Under investigation: The Alabama Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating the cause of the fire.

Verbena Fire Department Chief Allen Goree said firefighters responded to the scene at 1:21 a.m. Monday to find the Big Spring Baptist Church structure fully involved.

The church off County Road 59, which was last used in January, was deemed a total loss.

Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said an investigation is underway to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

“If it’s determined it was a criminal act, we’ll be trying to find out who did it,” Paulk said.