An historic courthouse has been left badly damaged after a huge fire ripped through the building – forcing evacuations and sparking an emergency response.
Flames and thick smoke were seen billowing from the landmark as crews rushed to the scene to battle the blaze.
Emergency services evacuated the building as a precaution, with no injuries reported.
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The fire caused significant damage to the structure, with parts of the historic courthouse left destroyed.
Officials said crews worked quickly to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.
The incident happened at the Floyd County Courthouse in Rome, Georgia, US, on Monday (23 March).
Authorities confirmed the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, while officials described the courthouse as a key part of the community’s history.
“While much of the building itself is gone, its memory and meaning of community will endure,” the Rome Police Department said in a statement this week.
Floyd County manager, Jamie McCord, added: “It would be an amazing thing if we could keep it [courthouse] intact, but I am concerned mainly with the tower.
“It’s been a tough day, tough 24 hours,” he said.
“It is our historic landmark, it is the centre of Floyd County, it’s part of our logo. And, you know, it’s just devastating to sit here and see this.”
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
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