A fire that destroyed a vacant Verbena church is under investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Verbena Fire Department Chief Allen Goree said firefighters responded to the scene at 1:21 a.m. Monday to find the Big Spring Baptist Church structure fully involved.

The church off County Road 59, which was last used in January, was deemed a total loss.

Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said an investigation is underway to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

“If it’s determined it was a criminal act, we’ll be trying to find out who did it,” Paulk said.