S.C. Church Fire Causes $300,000 Damage, Arson Ruled Out

Sumter County, S.C. fire officials are investigating the origin of a church fire that caused about $300,000 in damages and destroyed the sanctuary.

No foul play is suspected.

Sumter Fire Captain Brian Horton said the fire Sunday morning at the Hillcrest Baptist Church appears to be accidental.

The Reverend Wayne Hunter has been pastor of the 23-year-old church for more than two years. Hunter says the church had insurance and will rebuild.

Hunter says several churches have offered to let Hillcrest use their facilities while they rebuild.