Lightning Strike Sparks Small Attic Fire at Gonzalez Baptist Church

September 11, 2026

A lightning strike sparked a small, smoldering attic fire Friday morning at Gonzalez Baptist Church.

Multiple Escambia County Fire Rescue units responded just after 7:30 a.m. to the church on Pauline Street at the intersection of Old Chemstrand Road. Firefighters traced the smell of smoke to a lightning strike near the steeple. No major damage was reported.

A daycare located in the church complex was temporarily evacuated as a precaution.

No injuries were reported.

Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP