Cause Of Georgia Theatre Fire Still Unknown

Investigators say they still have not been able to pinpoint a cause of the fire that gutted an Athens landmark nearly a week ago. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were joined by state and local officials the past couple of days in sifting through the burned-out remains of the Georgia Theatre. Now investigators turn to interviewing witnesses. Officials say no information will be released until all agencies involved come to consensus as to the cause of the blaze.

Musicians Stage Georgia Theatre Benefit

The Athens music community is pulling together to help employees of the Georgia Theatre, left without a job in the wake of a massive blaze that gutted the historic venue last Friday. Today, state and local investigators began their work at the scene trying to determine a cause.

Tomorrow night, three bands will play a benefit concert in Athens, with proceeds going to displaced workers of the Theatre. Julian Dorio is the drummer with The Whigs, the Athens-based band headlining the event:

"Everyone understands what this means and the sacrifice for us to go down the street and play a show is nothing compared to what’s happened to the Georgia Theatre staff."

The show is being held at the Melting Point in Athens tomorrow night. 10-dollar tickets can be bought either at the door, or online through georgiatheathre.com. The Melting Point will also accept cash donations for a Georgia Theatre fund.

Investigation Into Georgia Theatre Fire Opens

Authorities open an investigation this morning as to what caused a massive fire that gutted the landmark Georgia Theatre in Athens. The Friday blaze after 7 that morning destroyed the building in the downtown area, known to many as a major player in the Athens and southeast music scene.

Investigators with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the state fire marshal's office and the local fire department are expected to work the scene Monday. Officials do not suspect foul play, but are not ruling-out arson.

Fire Destroys Athens' Georgia Theatre

An Athens landmark steeped in history was destroyed by fire early this morning, as the Georgia Theatre went up in flames. Dozens of firefighters with engines and ladder trucks responded to the scene in downtown Athens around 7am--by the time they had control of the blaze an hour later, the building was gutted. Officials do not yet have a cause for the fire.

The Theatre dates back to the late 1800’s. Through its history it was used as a cinema, and since the 1970’s, it’s been a major player in the Athens music scene.

Sandy Turner with Athens-Clarke County government told WGAU Radio in Athens she’s still trying to absorb the loss:

"That’s one of these places that you just take for granted...(the loss)will be great."

The Georgia Theatre was scheduled to host 11 musical acts during next weekend’s Ath-Fest. Organizers are working to reschedule them to different locations.

Fire Strikes Athens Landmark

Reports are coming in this morning of a major fire at The Georgia Theatre. The building is a converted cinema which is now used as a music venue in town, and considered an Athens landmark. Many well known bands have played there, including REM and the B-52’s.

Witnesses tell the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the fire began around 7am and appeared major. The president of the Athens-Area Chamber of Commerce tells the paper the blaze appeared to have burned through the roof of the theater. In his words, Doc Eldridge says the building "is gone."