Vinita Church Deemed Total Loss After Large Fire

NewsOn6.com

VINITA, Oklahoma -- A building that houses a popular Oklahoma restaurant, a Cowboy Church and even a school is a total loss after a fire Sunday.

An intense fire that swept through Cowboy Junction Church and Restaurant was still burning Sunday night. The church is located South of Vinita on 4380 Road in Craig County.

The fire started Sunday afternoon. A teenager who is a member of the church saw smoke coming from the restaurant and says the fire appeared to have started near a large freezer.

As firefighters arrived, the flames spread rapidly--getting into the attic of the building. At least eight different fire departments fought the fire, rotating crews because of the intense heat.

Church members say the congregation will overcome the loss.

"We lost just the structure, the people of Cowboy Junction still thrive. God Almighty will be praised in the midst of this, and lives will continue to be changed," said church member Deborah Kessel.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the fire.