DARLINGTON, S.C. (WPDE) — An agent with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is working with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to learn what sparked a fire that destroyed a 156-year-old Darlington County church.
It’s typical and common practice to call in the ATF and SLED on church fires.
At this time, the cause or even preliminary cause of the fire hasn’t been released.
Officials said a call came into 911 Saturday afternoon saying Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Pocket Road in Darlington County was burning.
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Firefighters said when they got on the scene, flames had already consumed more than 50% of the house of worship.
Twenty-nine firefighters with Palmetto Rural, Darlington City, Darlington County, West Florence and Windy Hill Fire Departments helped contain and control the fire.
Community members remain concerned as smoke emanates from the church.
Officials said crews are closely monitoring it, but don’t expect flames to rekindle.
