Feds, SC agents investigating after fire at predominantly Black Chester County church
Federal and South Carolina officials are investigating after a fire destroyed a predominantly Black church south of Rock Hill.
The fire that started before 10 p.m. Thursday and raged into Friday morning caused heavy damage to Mount Zion AME Zion Church on Canal Road in Chester County, said T. Melton, Richburg Fire and Rescue chief.
The church is located off U.S. 21 between the York County line and Fort Lawn, near the Catawba River.
No one was hurt, Melton said.
Firefighters from several York County and Chester County departments worked the fire. Strong winds spread the fire quickly, Melton said.
No one was hurt, Melton said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Officials notified South Carolina law enforcement,the S.C. Fire Marshal and federal officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Forearms and Explosives because of laws requiring investigations into church fires.
The State Law Enforcement Division fire investigation unit is assisting, said SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich.
