Ashe Investigators Believe Arson Started Fire That Destroyed Church


Authorities in Ashe County have reported that a fire which destroyed a church in West Jefferson was believed to have been started by an arsonist. The fire was discovered just after 1am Sunday morning on Hwy 163 after a Deputy had passed by the church and saw the flames. The fire completely gutted the inside of the building, causing a majority of the roof to collapse. According to authorities, Investigators have found evidence of a break in at the Church and are currently examining the burn pattern of the parts of the church that are still standing. Evidence collected from the scene has been sent off to Raleigh for further inspection by the SBI. Although the church was insured, they still are facing many expenses in the fire. If you would like to help the Church, you can reachout to them through their facebook page or visit the church's website at www.northbeaver.org.