Fire Sweeps Through Bourbon Warehouses

A spectacular fire swept through several buildings at a distillery on Thursday, sending flames hundreds of feet into the air as rivers of burning whiskey flowed away in all directions.

About 100 firefighters fought the blaze at the Heaven Hill Distillery, fanned by 30 mph winds. No injuries were reported, but nearby homes were evacuated, and heat from the fire could be felt half a mile away.

By nightfall, officials had decided to let the fire burn itself out. Firefighters were to remain at the scene to ensure the blaze didn’t spread.

The fire broke out about 2 p.m., and within several hours, at least four warehouses were completely aflame, along with a building housing several mash tanks - the heart of the distillery.

Witnesses reported oak barrels exploding and shooting into the air.

Bourbon also spilled into a nearby creek, setting it ablaze as well.

The company about 35 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky’s only family-owned distillery, makes several bourbons, including Evan Williams and Elijah Craig.