WINCHESTER, Ky. (LEX 18) — Firefighters will remain on scene overnight Sunday into Monday at Stuff Recycling in Winchester. That’s where a massive fire has been burning since late Saturday afternoon.
Beyond the large scale damage to the recycling facility, the fire has had an impact on church services at nearby Grace Baptist Church.
It was a larger than normal crowd for the evening worship Sunday. That’s because services were cancelled for Sunday morning as firefighters continued battling the fire at Stuff Recycling.
Parishoner Liz Thornberry said she watched as a cloud of smoke billowed into the sky above their brand new sanctuary.
"From a distance, I was worried our church was on fire," said Thornberry.
Pastor Pat Finley said firefighters worried that cloud of smoke could drop and create a safety hazard.
"It was their recommendation not to put a large group of people in one spot this close to the fire," Finley said.
He followed that recommendation and did not hold Sunday morning service. He says thankfully the church is fine and and he’s glad the firefighters kept everyone safe.
"We might have to figure out how we’re going to get some smoke smell out of the foyer here, but other than that everything should be back to normal," said Finley.
Lexington Road reopened Sunday evening, but firefighters are going to stick around through the night and check for hot spots.
