FRIENDSHIP, N.Y. - Fire investigators are trying to determine what caused a blaze that gutted a rural western New York church, sending flames shooting up the building's bell tower and steeple.

Authorities say the fire was reported around 3:50 a.m. Wednesday at the Friendship Bible Baptist Church in the Allegany town of Friendship, in the Southern Tier 60 miles southeast of Buffalo.

Three fire companies fought the flames for several hours before getting the blaze under control. Their efforts were hampered by bitter cold and blustery conditions.

Officials say the wooden structure is a total loss.

No one was injured.

Investigators say the fire doesn't appear to be suspicious.

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