On Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at approximately 6:40 p.m. Green Creek Fire Deputy Chief James Jolley received a call at his residence from a passerby advising they witnessed a lightning strike at or near the building of New Hope United Methodist Church located at 4251 Chesnee Rd. in Green Creek.

Deputy Chief Jolley arrived at the scene a short time later and observed light smoke in the building.

The Green Creek Fire Department responded and was assisted by the Columbus and Mill Spring Fire Departments.

The first fire engine arrived on the scene around 6:55 p.m. This unit responded from Green Creek’s sub station on Chesnee Rd.

Further check of the interior of the church indicated that no fire was present. Light smoke was present in the building and had to be removed. There was minor smoke damage to the interior of the church. No injuries were reported.

All fire units cleared the scene at 7:24 p.m.

– article submitted by the Green Creek Fire Department