Historic Georgia Courthouse Damaged by Fire

Investigators examine the destroyed building to determine if it can be salvaged

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A historic courthouse in Rome, Georgia suffered major damage from a fire earlier this week. Officials were allowed inside the burned-out building on Wednesday to retrieve cash and employees' personal items. Fire investigators are now examining drone footage to try to determine the cause of the blaze, which occurred as renovations were underway. A local business owner provided meals for the firefighters who battled the towering inferno.

Why it matters

The 134-year-old courthouse is considered an iconic landmark in the city of Rome, and its potential destruction has raised concerns in the community. Officials are now working to assess whether the building can be saved and restored.

The details

The fire broke out at the historic Floyd County Courthouse on Monday afternoon. Firefighters worked to extinguish the towering blaze, which caused extensive damage to the 134-year-old building. On Wednesday, county officials were allowed to enter the burned-out structure to retrieve cash and personal items belonging to employees. Fire investigators are now examining drone footage captured during the incident to try to determine the cause of the fire, which started as renovations were underway at the courthouse.

  • The fire occurred on Monday afternoon.
  • Officials entered the building on Wednesday to salvage items.
  • Fire investigators are now analyzing drone footage from the incident.

The players

Alma Roman McCool

A local business owner who provided meals for the firefighters who battled the blaze.

Kevin Payne

The Floyd County Tax Commissioner, who entered the burned-out building on Wednesday to retrieve the county's cash and employees' personal items.

Greg Abbott

A Fire Battalion Chief who believes the fire may have started high in the building based on his experience.

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What they’re saying

“What was it like to walk in there?”

— Berndt Petersen, Channel 2 reporter

“It was a little emotional. That has been my home for the last 20 years.”

— Kevin Payne, Floyd County Tax Commissioner

“From my experience, yes. I think it started high.”

— Greg Abbott, Fire Battalion Chief

What’s next

County officials say an informed decision on whether the building can be saved should come next week.

The takeaway

The destruction of this historic courthouse has deeply impacted the Rome community, raising questions about the building's future and the importance of preserving local landmarks. The investigation into the cause of the fire will be crucial in determining whether the courthouse can be restored or if the city must find a way to move forward without this iconic structure.