Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rome Courthouse Fire Triggers Judicial Emergency as County Relocates Services

Experts will judge whether the 1890s landmark can be saved.

Overview

  • The blaze that tore through the Floyd County Historic Courthouse Monday collapsed part of its tower, forced evacuations, and caused no reported injuries.
  • Court leaders declared a judicial emergency that paused hearings and filing deadlines through Wednesday.
  • Cleanup crews and engineers are securing the site as investigators, unable to enter safely, say the cause remains unknown and note the building was in early-stage exterior repairs.
  • County officials are moving the tax commissioner, tax assessor, and tag services to a law enforcement center with $100,000 in emergency funding to restart operations.
  • Roads near West Fifth Avenue remain restricted, nearby shops report smoke and water damage, and most county records survived because they were stored electronically or next door.