Columbus Swift Mill Fire burns 6 stories high in Columbus Ga

COLUMBUS, Ga. --
Firefighters who battled a massive weekend blaze at the vacant Swift Mill in Columbus say hot spots could burn for weeks. Fire Marshal Ricky Shores says there are no reported injuries or reports of other buildings being damaged. The mill caught fire Saturday evening with flames shooting more than four stories high.




The walls of a community landmark came tumbling down Saturday night.  The Swift Mill no longer stands in Columbus after being destroyed by fire.
They say the mill holds a special place in their hearts…That's why people from the community showed up at the site Sunday- -to watch the chapter of Columbus history come to a close.
I worked here back in the 60's.  It was one of the first jobs I ever had.  I hate to see the place go down like that...It's kind of sad, breaks my heart,” said onlooker, Bobby Reed.
Reed stopped to take a glance at what he describes as a memorable part of his past, now turned into a painful sight.
“Walked up here just a few minutes ago to see it, it's just awful, sad,” said Reed.
The scene Sunday is the after-math of the fire that engulfed the historic building Saturday evening.
Columbus fire crews arrived on scene around 6:00 p.m. and worked through the night, for nearly four hours, battling the blaze.
Blocked roads didn't discourage onlookers and people with memories linked to the mill- -that's been part of the community since the late 1800's.
More people showed up Sunday taking pictures, sharing memories, and looking to see what's left of the piece of Columbus' industrial history.
“I’m sure a lot of people are sad,” said Reed.
At the intersection of 14th street and 6th avenue firefighters worked late into the day on Sunday, trying to contain the fire at the historic Swift Mill.
According to the Columbus Fire Marshal, hotspots remain in the southernmost portions of the building and crews will be on-site throughout the week to monitor them.
"Been so long ago but the memories come back like it's today...” said Reed.
Years of history wiped out in hours...now a shocked community copes with the loss and wonders how the flames really got started.
Columbus Fire Marshal Chief Ricky Shores says the bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Fireams and Explosives - -ATF is joining the investigation.
A look-ahead to Monday, for what this means for businesses surrounding the mill and traffic.  Shores says Fire and EMS will work with business owners, allowing them access to their buildings.  However, much of 6^th Avenue will still be closed Monday to the general public, protecting people from possible collapse zones.