There are no reported injuries after a Polk County church caught fire Tuesday evening with attendees inside.
Polk County Fire Department said all 15 people inside were able to get out safely, but the Beraca First Haitian Baptist Church in Haines City suffered significant damage.
The building's roof has collapsed, and it will likely be a total loss.
Members said this is a huge loss for the community, as this was the only Haitian church in the area. More than 200 people attended made up the congregation.
Paul said the church is more than 80 years old and, because of its age, they were never able to get insurance.
The State Fire Marshal responded to the fire, and an investigation was ongoing. Early reports said wood ceilings may have been partially responsible for the fire spreading so quickly, ultimately causing the roof to collapse.
Members of the church setup a Go Fund Me account to help either rebuild or move to a new home.
