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Environmental Concerns Mount As Fire Continues At Jim Beam

Stu Johnson
/
WEKU

Fire crews remain on the scene this afternoon at a massive bourbon warehouse blaze near the Franklin/Woodford county line. 

The fire broke out last night and destroyed the Jim Beam facility and with it some 45,000 barrels of bourbon.  Initial reports indicate the fire was caused by a lightning strike. 

No injuries were reported.

State officials sent out a release Wednesday afternoon saying there could be substantial environmental impacts to the Kentucky River including a sizeable fish kill. 

The runoff is anticipated to cause water discoloration, foaming, and odor.  Recreational activity is not prohibited but users are advised to be aware of the conditions before entering the waterway.

© 2019 WEKU

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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