A faithful reacts to a fire in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Wisconsin. — Crews responded to a fire at St. John the Baptist Church in Jefferson County Monday evening.

A firefighter with the Jefferson County Fire Department told TMJ4 the fire was started by lightning.

Firefighters blocked several streets surrounding the church, with the bell tower badly damaged and in danger of toppling over.

Neighbors say they heard a loud boom between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. that could be felt throughout the city.

Ed Hotter has attended Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church since his birth.

“It was just a shock. I mean, I don’t know how to react. I’m still a little shocked,” Hotter said. “Everyone in our family was baptized there. Everyone got married there. My parents were buried there, so it’s a shock to see this happen. I don’t know .To be honest, I’m at a loss for words.”

Firefighters brought the bell tower fire under control shortly after 10:30 p.m. Monday evening.

No injuries were reported.

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