A serious fire in Burns Lake has destroyed the Island Gospel Church.
Burns Lake Fire Rescue attended to the major structure fire early Saturday morning.
An afternoon update from the department said that although although the church has been destroyed, the auditorium and classroom survived, with some smoke and water damage.
It said the investigation is ongoing but a cause has yet to be determined, and that the Burns Lake Fire Department would like to express their sympathy to the congregation and the community on this huge loss.
A statement from the Village of Burns Lake Mayor also lamented the loss of the church, especially so close to the Christmas season, and thanked firefighters and emergency personnel for their response.
