MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis firefighters battled heavy smoke and flames in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 23, in South City.
The Memphis Fire Department responded to the fire just before 12:30 a.m. at the Revival Temple Ministries Church of God on Christ Inc., located at the intersection of E.H. Crump Boulevard and Camilla Street.
When ABC24 crews arrived on scene, they saw flames coming out of the top of the building. Firefighters were there with at least two engines attempting to put the fire out.
An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was also on scene.
A fire department spokesperson said no injuries were reported and an air conditioning unit malfunction caused the fire, which started in the top center of the sanctuary. The total damage was worth $1,100,000. The road is currently blocked off in the area.
The church's pastor told ABC24 that he held services every week at the building for the past three years. Now, church members will probably have to hold a virtual service Sunday, July 28, as they try to figure out their next steps.