Community reacts to devastating Wayne Co. Courthouse fire

WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Investigators were back on the scene Monday trying to figure out how a massive fire at the Wayne County Courthouse started.

Yellow tape and a big fence now surround the beloved and historic Wayne County Courthouse, after a devastating fire Friday.

SEE: Fire damages historic Wayne County courthouse in Jesup

The building has sat proudly in the middle of Jesup for 120 years.

Many, like local bed and breakfast owner Pam Wheat, say the courthouse was seen as the center of historic Jesup.

“I really enjoyed sitting out on the front porch and listening to the bells and clock tower ring. It’s really iconic for small town America,” said Wheat.

The City of Jesup Fire Chief and insurance inspectors were in and out of the courthouse all day long after the devastating fire Friday.

Locals say the smoke could be seen from across town.

“Local customers, and clients came in here and they informed us that there’s a fire at the courthouse. We rushed outside and you could see the smoke coming out of the top of the building,” said Ababie Bakahshizad, owner of Alec’s Sports Bar and Grill.

The Wayne County Clerk of Court tells WTOC the magistrate’s offices are being transferred to temporary offices.

The fire chief says the cause of the fire is still unknown.

Fire officials say the fire started in the room right above the main courtroom on the second floor where an electrical and maintenance room is.

However, locals around town tell WTOC they are all asking the same question.

“Are they going to be tearing it down, or will they be able to save the building,” asked Bakahshizad.

The fire chief told WTOC they will be awaiting more answers from the fire marshal who will walk through the building Tuesday.

In the meantime, residents say they will miss the view of their beloved clocktower that can be seen from everywhere in town.

“It’s really a shame. It’s a beautiful historic building and it really takes a lot of effort to keep a building like that maintained and to rebuild something like that,” said Wheat.