BRANDON, Fla. — Hillsborough County authorities are investigating a fire at a Brandon church. 

  • Fire tears through hall at Brandon church
  • Sanctuary at New Testament Church not damaged
  • One firefighter suffered minor injuries
  • Fire under investigation

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the New Testament Church-Brandon, located at 913 Dew Bloom Road, just before 10 p.m.

The fire didn't destroy the church sanctuary but the Fellowship Hall sustained damage. The fire was put out in about 20 minutes. No one was inside the church at the time of the fire.

One person tried to fight the flames with a water hose before firefighters arrived to the scene. 

One firefighter suffered minor injuries while fighting the fire. 

Meanwhile, the congregation is dealing with the fire happening just before Easter. 

Pastor Kevin Wells said the last person left the church just before 6 p.m. He said everything was off and the building was secure. A few hours later, he received a phone call that the church was on fire.  

(Courtesy of viewer Fabian Ramos)

Wells said he and his congregation will use prayer to get through the ordeal. 

"Out of tragedy we’ll find a triumph," Wells said. "We’ll find beauty come out of ashes and like I said we’ll trust in the Lord, here’s our rock and we’re going to praise him in the midst of this adversity."

The congregation had big plans for the holiday weekend in addition to the Easter celebration, including feeding the homeless. There also were plans for an Easter party for children and Sunday school classes. 

Wells said they will have to find someone else to do the activities but the Easter service will go on in the church on Sunday.