Lightening strikes Zabcikville church

Multiple area fire departments responded to a fire at Ocker Brethren Church in Zabcikville on the evening of April 2.

The call came in around 7:30 p.m. to Rosebud responders, who received a request for assistance from the Westphalia VFD.

“Rosebud responded with two firetrucks and seven firefighters,” said Jay Shults, of the Rosebud VFD. “[we] arrived on scene and got bunkered.”

He along with other firefighters, entered the building in order to fight the fire from the inside.

The flames at the 128-year-old church were ultimately extinguished and there were no injuries to report.

According to Chris Mahlstedt, Bell County Fire Marshal, the event caused “significant damage” to the upstairs classroom area and “water and smoke damage” to the sanctuary area. The cause of the fire is still under scrutiny.

The preliminary investigation shows that a rogue lightning strike may have been the catalyst.

“Just looking at where the heaviest damage was, on the exterior wall,” he explained. “There’s no way anyone could have accessed that without a ladder or something.”

He says there is no visible evidence of the strike exiting the building or on the grounds, so the investigation continues.

“I’m still waiting on some results,” he told The Rosebud News 

Troy, Rosebud, Rogers, and Westphalia VFDs were on the scene, along with the Fire Marshall. Mahlstedt said the scene was completely clear just after 11 p.m, the fire was pronounced “out” at 9:52 p.m.