Cause of Fire to Benwood Church Undetermined

A state investigator says the cause of a fire that destroyed a church in Benwood can’t be determined.

Assistant state fire marshal Jason Maltic tells media outlets that the fire began in the right corner of the rear of the roof area. But the cause can’t be determined because of the extent of damage.

The fire occurred Monday at St. John Catholic Church. An adjacent school sustained smoke and water damage.

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston spokesman Bryan Minor says the diocese is awaiting the results of an engineering report before deciding what to do with the property.