Devastating Church fire in Nevada

NEVADA, Mo. (KOAM) — Early morning Saturday 2:23 a.m. reports of a church fire alerted E-911. First arrival from Nevada Fire observed smoke and flames that’s when the call for area mutual aid went out to assist at First Christian Church, Austin Blvd and Washington Ave..

Nevada Chief Taylor McKlintic* tells KOAM’s Shannon Becker, “ We had eight departments and about 70 firefighters on scene .”

• Fort Scott Fire (Kansas)
• Compton Junction Fire
• El Dorado Fire
• Deerfield Fire
• Bronaugh Fire
• Milo Fire
• Lamar Fire
• Walker Fire

Assisting agencies at the initial call: Vernon County Ambulance District, Nevada Police and Vernon County Deputies.

With multiple apparatus firefighters surrounded the structure 360° with multiple streams. Fort Scott Fire aerial ladder was the highest point on the northeast corner. You can see in our live video it towers above the steeple.

We observed the roof over most of the building is completely gone. In the predawn light the building looks like a shell. It takes up about 1/4 city block. The church also has classrooms attached which also have burned.

The structure is a traditional wood-framed, masonry wrapped multi-story building. It sits on Austin Blvd the main east/west road through town that connects Mo-43 on the west side and I-49 on the east.

Chief McKlintic says no firefighters were injured fighting the fire. However he could not confirm that of all citizens. We anticipate an update later as he is gathering more details with investigators.

Missouri State Fire Marshals office have already arrived before first light of the day.

RE: INVESTIGATION: “ATF and the Missouri State Fire Marshals came down to assist with Nevada Police.”

- Chief Taylor McKlintic

This is a breaking news story. Watch for updates from KOAM’s Shannon Becker on the scene.

(*) Taylor McKlintic is the Nevada Fire Interim Chief. He is acting Chief now, but will be formally take the position with the city September 1, 2024.