PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A three-alarm fire that started in a dumpster significantly damaged a church in Dunedin on Wednesday morning.
Fire officials said the 911 call came in around 3 a.m. and crews responded to Coastal Christian Church on Bayshore Boulevard.
Nobody was injured, but the sanctuary and the roof of the building are damaged.
The Pastor did not want to go on camera but said the congregation is strong and they will all get through this tough time together.
Dunedin Deputy Fire Chief Michael Handoga said the fire started in a dumpster and then spread to the church. The roof of the church appears to have serious damage and there are burn marks on the side of the building. Officials say the sanctuary is also significantly damaged.
The director of Sweet Peas Preschool tells ABC Action News the school received some water damage.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
As the day drew on, multiple people stopped by. Some were aware of the fire, and stopped by to offer support. Others were shocked by what they saw.
"The church, the daycare, the thrift store, serves the community and has for a number of years," said Josh Register, one of the many people hoping to go to the thrift store Wednesday. "It's disappointing for sure. I hope they can get over it quickly."
The church has a long road to recovery. The sanctuary roof is missing pieces because of the fire. The thrift store will likely have to get rid of most of its items if not all due to smoke and water damage.
Both the church and preschool are currently trying out how to continue their service in the community, despite missing the brick and mortar factor.
