Three local fire departments were among the eight stations who responded to a church fire in Robeson County Monday night.
Proctorville Baptist Church near Orrum was virtually destroyed by a suspected lightning strike as a massive line of storms swept across the state, bringing 50-mile-per-hour winds and lightning strikes. Crews were still cleaning up after the fire this morning (Tuesday).
Fair Bluff, Evergreen, Cerro Gordo and Chadbourn firefighters were among the departments supplying mutual aid, equipment and manpower. Other departments included Orrum, Britts, Fairmont City, Fairmont Rural, Smyrna, and Whitehouse.
Spotty damage was reported in Columbus, with downed trees, broken limbs and some water on roadways. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Whiteville and central Columbus County for a brief period of time.
