NATCHEZ, Miss. — One day after a devastating fire severely damaged the historic Delta Fuel headquarters building in downtown Natchez, the structure continues to emit light smoke from lingering hot spots as firefighters monitor the site.
Although no flames were visible Monday, occasional smoke could still be seen rising from portions of the damaged building.
The Natchez Fire Department is continuing to monitor the historic Delta Fuel headquarters building by sending firefighters to the scene at scheduled intervals to check for lingering hot spots and ensure there are no flare-ups.
Fire officials emphasized that seeing smoke is expected as debris continues to cool.
“If you see smoke, don’t worry,” firefighters said. “If you see flames, please contact us immediately.”
A section of Main Street between North Union Street and North Commerce Street remains closed to traffic while officials continue evaluating the damaged structure. Businesses along the affected section of downtown remain open and are welcoming customers despite the road closure.
Sunday’s fire caused catastrophic damage to the historic Delta Fuel headquarters building after firefighters were dispatched shortly before 5 a.m. While the building’s exterior walls remain standing, the interior was extensively damaged by the fire, including the collapse of the roof and second floor.
The accompanying ground-level and aerial photographs provide a closer look at the damage left behind by Sunday’s fire. They also highlight the remarkable work of firefighters, whose efforts kept the blaze confined to the historic Delta Fuel headquarters building and protected neighboring downtown businesses despite the close proximity of the surrounding historic commercial buildings.
What could have become an even greater disaster was prevented through the coordinated efforts of firefighters from across the Miss-Lou.
Firefighters from the Natchez Fire Department, Vidalia Fire Department, Adams County volunteer fire departments and numerous assisting agencies successfully contained the blaze to the historic Delta Fuel headquarters building.
During Sunday’s response, Natchez Fire Chief Robert Arrington confirmed there had been “no fire extension,” allowing surrounding businesses and historic buildings to escape fire damage.
The outcome is especially remarkable considering the age of the downtown buildings and how closely they are situated together. Although the interior of the historic Delta Fuel headquarters building suffered catastrophic damage, firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading beyond its walls and protected the surrounding historic commercial district.
The cause of the fire has not been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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