Historic church in downtown Buford gutted by fire overnight [Video]

BUFORD, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A church in downtown Buford was destroyed by fire overnight.

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services (GCFES) says firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from the roof of First Pentecostal Church of Buford at 15 East Moreno Street NE around 10 p.m.

When fire crews arrived, they reported seeing smoke coming from a vent hole at the top of the sanctuary of the large three-story church.

Fire crews said they entered the building to search for the source of the smoke and found a fire in the attic above the sanctuary.

Gwinnett Fire says the fire grew quickly and forced firefighters out of the church. Immediately after that, portions of the church began to collapse.

“As soon as we learned that this fire was beyond initial control, we made sure to get our people out for safety,” said Capt. Ryan McGiboney of …