Firefighters in Bolivar, Tennessee responded early Thursday morning to a five alarm fire that destroyed several century-old buildings.
The blaze began around midnight Wednesday and burned buildings on the south side of the square, including the Bank of Bolivar Building, which housed the local radio station, WMOD-FM.
Officials with the Hardeman County Sheriff's Department said fire crews from Middleton, Somerville, Toone, and Whiteville were called to the scene to assist Bolivar firefighters in bringing the blaze under control.
Several of the destroyed buildings were built in the mid to late 1800's.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however it was not believed to be weather related.
The court house in Bolivar was closed Thursday due to smoke in the downtown area.
Bolivar, the county seat of Hardeman County, recently was selected by the state for a courthouse square revitalization pilot program. The city was one of six that will be allowed to use 5.5 percent of the sales tax generated for improvements within in a designated courthouse square zone.
Republished with permission of WMCTV.
