BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged a Birmingham church Monday morning. Firefighters were summoned to the Bethel Baptist Church, located on Pearson Avenue in the West End community, shortly after 5:30 a.m.

Fire Department spokesman C.W. Mardis says it appears the fire started in the rear of the 50-year-old church. Mardis says lightning may be responsible for causing the blaze and so far there's no indication of arson.

No one was injured in the fire. Mardis says the fire damage was basically limited to the roof, attic and eaves of the building. The sanctuary did suffer extensive smoke and water damage.

Mardis also says there's varying amounts of smoke and water damage through the rest of the building.

"We're not worried about getting back in the church right now," said Rev. William Greason. "We're planning to have Sunday services in the gym."
Greason also said a women's conference scheduled for this weekend will be held in the gym.

Mardis says lightning fires are fairly common. About 18 months ago, a lightning strike caused a fire at Birmingham's St. Francis Xavier Church. Mardis said investigators are checking to see if lightning rods were installed on the Bethel church.