The Landmark Church in Mt. Vernon on their Facebook page says their pastor Michael Piercy is receiving good care for the burns he received in the first of two fires that destroyed the church at 1304 North 11th on Friday afternoon.
The church says the Pastor was applying a final layer of sealant on the Baptistery preparing for a Baptism on Sunday when a fireball erupted in his face. The message says Pastor Michael is expected to fully recover.
The Jefferson County Fire Protection reports he received 2nd and 3rd-degree burns.
The Landmark Church will proceed with virtual services only on Sunday.
Jefferson County Fire Protection District reported moderate smoke coming out of the eves of the single-story building upon their arrival along with a lot of smoke and heat inside part of the building. However, no fire could be found as it apparently had burned itself out.
Firemen were then called back around nine Friday night when a fire was burning through the roof. While the walls are still standing, most of the inside of the building was heavily damaged.
Mt. Vernon, Kell, and Bluford Firemen provided mutual aid during the afternoon fire call. Mt. Vernon, Kell, Salem, Bluford, and Woodlawn responded to mutual aid for the evening fire.
There were no firefighter injuries in fighting the two fires.
