Pickens County Fire Marshal Curtis Clark just notified FYN that himself and the state Fire Marshal determined the cause of the fire at Gospel Outreach Church Saturday night to be accidental in nature. They were unable to establish the exact cause.

“Our jobs here are done. The reports will be turned over to the insurance companies for them to conduct their own investigation,”

Clark said.

The congregation did hold services at the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce Sunday but FYN has not be able to contact Pastor Jerry Stewart to determine what their future plans are at this time.

Saturday, January 11, 2014:

by Cheryl Duncan

The Gospel Outreach Church is currently occupying the old Bargain Barn building, located next to Quick Burger on Old Highway 5, Route 53 near Tate. At approximately 6:00 pm. this evening a call came in to the Pickens 911 call center about smoke coming out of the building. Currently firefighters are on the scene fighting the blaze. Power has been turned off in the area . Pickens County Commissioner Rob Jones stated that the road is closed and will remain closed at least until 2:00 a.m.

Follow FYN for updates through the evening. Below is video and slideshow of the fire.