Devastating Fire Destroys Tunica Library

State officials investigate cause of blaze that destroyed over 50-year-old community hub

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A devastating fire ripped through the Robert C. Irwin Public Library in Tunica, Mississippi, on Thursday afternoon, leaving the over 50-year-old building completely engulfed in flames. Tunica Fire Chief Scott Goff said this was the biggest structure they've lost to a fire within city limits, with the metal roof making it difficult for firefighters to access the blaze. All four employees inside the library made it out safely, with one person treated for smoke inhalation. State investigators have arrived on the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

Why it matters

The Robert C. Irwin Public Library served as an important community hub in Tunica, providing residents access to books, computers, and a space to relax. Its destruction is a major loss for the town, which has already faced economic challenges in recent years. The investigation into the fire's cause will be crucial to understanding how this devastating incident occurred and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

Tunica Fire Chief Scott Goff said the metal roof on the library made it difficult for firefighters to access the blaze, and they were forced to retreat when the fire intensified during a flashover. Despite the challenges, all four employees inside the library were able to evacuate safely, with one person treated for smoke inhalation. State investigators from the Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office arrived on the scene on Friday morning to begin their investigation into the cause of the fire.

  • The fire was reported to have the library fully engulfed in flames shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • State investigators from the Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office arrived on the scene on Friday morning, February 7, 2026, to begin their investigation.

The players

Scott Goff

Tunica Fire Chief who said this was the biggest structure they've lost to a fire within city limits.

Robert C. Irwin Public Library

A over 50-year-old community library that served as an important hub in Tunica, providing residents access to books, computers, and a space to relax.

Antonio Nunn

A Tunica resident who was devastated to see the library, which he had visited for books, computer use, and relaxation, destroyed by the fire.

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What they’re saying

“The metal roof on it made it hard to get to the fire. Pulling my guys out that were inside because it was just too much fire coming out. So, we started fighting it from the outside.”

— Scott Goff, Tunica Fire Chief

“It's easy to replace buildings and everything, but you can't replace lives... but my main goal is always to make sure everyone is safe.”

— Scott Goff, Tunica Fire Chief

“To see that, man, it's really terrifying.”

— Antonio Nunn, Tunica Resident

What’s next

State investigators will continue their work to determine the cause of the fire at the Robert C. Irwin Public Library. Once their investigation is complete, crews will begin the process of removing the metal roof in certain areas to fully extinguish any remaining hot spots.

The takeaway

The devastating fire that destroyed the Robert C. Irwin Public Library, a vital community hub in Tunica, Mississippi, highlights the importance of fire safety and prevention measures, especially in older buildings. The investigation into the cause of the blaze will be crucial to understanding how this tragedy occurred and what steps can be taken to protect similar community resources in the future.