Birmingham church a total loss after Friday fire; one firefighter injured
A Friday evening fire destroyed Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood, injuring one firefighter and leaving the congregation without a building.
Mason Reed 
The Smithfield community is reeling after a devastating fire claimed the Victory Missionary Baptist Church on Friday evening. Birmingham Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to the location at 706 Second Ave. N. around 5 p.m. on May 15, spending hours battling the blaze that ultimately left the structure a total loss.
Incident Details
While emergency crews worked to extinguish the flames, one firefighter sustained minor injuries and required transport to a local hospital. Fortunately, no civilian injuries were reported during the incident, as confirmed by reporting from WBRC. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Faith Amidst Loss
In the aftermath, leadership at Victory Missionary Baptist Church shared a powerful message via Facebook, emphasizing that the congregation remains resilient despite the physical destruction. The post stated, “The building was a total loss but the church still stands. We (the people) are the church, we may be hurt by the fire and the loss of the building but we know that God is in full control.” The congregation is currently asking for prayers for Pastor Albert Bry Jr. and the entire Victory family as they look toward the future.
Moving Forward
Despite the tragedy, the church family is not pausing its mission. Plans are already in place to hold services this Sunday at Lilly Grove Baptist Church in Ensley from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Those interested in supporting the congregation during this rebuilding process are encouraged to reach out for more information.
