CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A fire at a vacant church near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is under control with one person transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Around 10 a.m., the Charlotte Fire Department began battling the flames at the property, located in the 5300 block of Old Dowd Road outside the northeast corner of the airport property.
Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the church roof and steeple.
History records from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library indicate Big Spring United Methodist Church was organized in 1866. The age of the church structure was not immediately known.
At the time of the fire, the church was "vacant" and no services were scheduled in the church, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.
The fire department used over 30 firefighters to get the fire under control in 50 minutes.
Firefighters battled the flames from outside and above the church out of a precautionary concern for structural collapse.
Investigators said the estimated damage is around $500,000.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport said the nearby fire and smoke had no impact on airport operations or flights.
No injuries have been reported.