It took local firefighters six hours to fully extinguish a fire in the final block of Main Street this week. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Chief Ricky Harris said they are following leads as to what could have started the blaze inside an abandoned building in downtown Yazoo City.
The Yazoo City Fire Department, with the assistance of District 3 Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the fire around 5:19 p.m. Monday at 241 S. Main Street.
“By the time we got there, the building was fully engulfed,” Harris said. “We stayed out there until a little after 11 p.m., and we are still investigating what could have caused this fire.”
Harris added that there were no injuries reported as well. And although the building was heavily damaged, he also said it could have been a lot worse.
“At first, I was worried that the fire was on one of the blocks where all our downtown businesses are located,” Harris said. “That could have led to a bad situation.”
The city street department also assisted during the incident by helping to remove the tin roof that collapsed into the building.
“We had to get that roof moved in order to get to the fire underneath it,” Harris said. “The street department helped us remove that tin, which we are very appreciative of their help. It took everybody working together, and everyone did a good job.”
Harris said he suspects a vagrant had been living inside the structure, but he said the fire marshal is working with the police department and the county fire marshal to track down some leads.
“Hopefully, we can get some good leads,” Harris said.
Harris encouraged anyone with information or tips to call the fire department at 746-2841. All tips would remain confidential.
“I am proud of our department,” Harris said. “We have some new men, and they are still learning. But I am grateful to how they worked together. I had to put on some gear and help myself, which I haven’t done in a while.”
“But motivation helps,” he continued. “When my guys see me helping them, it encourages them as well. When I go home, I want them to be able to go home as well. I am with them until the end.”
