Walker County 9-1-1 has informed AM1180 News that firefighters were dispatched to the Old Barwick Building on McLemore Street in Lafayette this weekend due to an industrial fire.

9-1-1 said the initial call came in at 1:48pm Saturday and when the fire department arrived the building was already fully involved.

The fire has produced run-off that could flow into the Chattooga River; this run-off may contain chemicals which could contaminate the waters of the river for several days.

You may see colors from various dyes and other products. 

The EPA and EPD are monitoring the situation and keep the run-off to a minimum.

If you use the river for recreation of any type, you should limit your exposure as much as possible.

What may have started the fire has yet to be determined.

Lafayette City Manager David Hamilton says they are still trying to determine exactly what materials may have been in the building, adding that it appears there was some latex inside

The building was considered a total loss; early indications point to the blaze beginning near the left side of the structure; fortunately, no one was inside at the time the fire broke out.

The huge fire required assistance from Catoosa County, Ft. Oglethorpe and Rossville – along with a ladder company and three engine companies from Walker County.  

The blaze also prevented a pedestrian train which was in Summerville that morning from making its return trip as scheduled. 

We’ll have additional information as it becomes available.

(Information provided in part by WRCB TV)