Johnson County church engulfed in flames

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A church is considered a total loss after a fire in northeast Johnson County Wednesday morning.

According to Capt. Joe Jennings with the Johnson County Fire Protection District, the Mount Zion Christian Church was fully engulfed in flames when the first crews arrived at the scene. A passerby called in the fire at 4:19 a.m. Wednesday.

The church is located at 951 NE Highway NN in Sweet Springs.

Four JCFPD stations are at the scene, along with mutual aid from West Central Fire Protection District. The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause, according to Jennings.

Jennings said more information will be coming later in the day.

The church had been operating since 1840, with the current structure being built in 1896, according to Jennings.

Check back later for updates.