WHARTON — A kitchen fire damaged Peace Tabernacle of Wharton on Saturday afternoon, displacing the congregation but resulting in no reported injuries.

The Wharton Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the church, located at 1416 N. Alabama Road, at approximately 4:11 p.m. after what was initially believed to be a smoke scare. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire conditions and began an offensive attack to bring the blaze under control.

According to Wharton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Hector Hernandez, the fire was later determined to have originated in the church’s kitchen. Preliminary findings indicated the fire was accidental, and there was no suspicion of criminal intent.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire in about 30 minutes, though crews remained on scene for several hours extinguishing hot spots, particularly in the building’s attic.

The fire affected roughly one-quarter of the church, primarily in the rear portion of the building where the kitchen is located. Hernandez said the heat was intense enough to warp some of the building’s steel support beams.

Several agencies responded to assist, including the El Campo, Boling, Hungerford, East Bernard, and Glen Flora fire departments. Wharton Police Department officers and Wharton EMS personnel also assisted during the incident.

Despite the damage, no injuries were reported.

Peace Tabernacle held its Sunday service at True Holiness Church in Wharton following the fire. Pastor Michael Bumgarner thanked first responders, church leaders, and community members for their support and prayers as the congregation begins the recovery process.

The cause of the fire remains listed as accidental based on preliminary findings.