During storms that swept through the area on Wednesday, Jan. 30, the fellowship hall at New Hope United Methodist Church in Green Creek caught fire.

Green Creek Fire Chief Michael Herman said his department received the call around 4:20 p.m. to the church, located along Chesnee Highway.

Herman said when he arrived there was smoke bellowing out of the building and once he made entry there was fire going over head on the left side of the room.

Herman said the fire was quickly extinguished, thanks mainly to his department who really stepped up and prevented the fire from being much worse.

“I’m really proud of my department,” Herman said. “They really stepped up and did what needed to be done.”

The department used less than 50 gallons of water fighting the fire.

The Columbus and Mill Spring Fire Departments assisted Green Creek.

Herman said he does not suspect the fire to be suspicious but due to it being a church was required to turn the investigation over to the Polk County Fire Marshal.

Just prior to the church fire a power line blew just down the road along Chesnee Highway where local departments were also dispatched.