A late-night fire in downtown Barnesville sent thick smoke into the sky and destroyed multiple historic Market Street buildings Monday night.
According to early reports from the scene, a Barnesville firefighter first noticed the unusual conditions outside.
“It’s not humid enough for it to be this foggy,” the firefighter reportedly said before investigating further.
What initially appeared to be fog quickly proved to be smoke as flames were discovered consuming structures along Market Street.
The Barnesville Fire Department responded alongside Lamar County Fire & Rescue. Officers with the Barnesville Police Department and Lamar County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, and EMS units were also present.
An official cause of the fire has not been released. However, it is believed that the blaze intensified after a gas line became involved.
Heavy smoke continued to rise well after 2:00 a.m. as crews worked the scene and the fire smoldered beneath the rubble. It is not yet known whether buildings along the rear alley off Zebulon Street sustained any damage.
Buildings Destroyed or Damaged
- Mama D’s Restaurant — Destroyed
- Goggans Florist — Destroyed
- Everything Beautiful by Jenna J Designs — Damaged
- Status of additional nearby buildings — Unknown
As of now, no injuries have been reported.
The full extent of the damage and the official cause remain under investigation.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
