Firefighters battle large blaze on River Street

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Bowling Green firefighters were called to a large structure fire on River Street late Monday morning.

Billowing smoke could be seen for several blocks from the fire at 1491 River Street. The building has a sign out front that reads “Cooper Bargain Center Auction.” Another sign reads “Eagle Furniture Manufacturing.”

People who work in the building were able to exit safely, BGFD spokeswoman Marlee Boenig said. No injuries had been reported as of 12:19 p.m. The fire department was dispatched at 11:22 a.m.

There were several 55-gallon drums visible from the street.

As the blaze grew, windows could be heard breaking and the fire caused several loud pops.

Roads around River Street were closed in both directions.

BGFD activated a strike team which consists of county volunteer fire departments that will assist with other calls in the city while city firefighters battle this blaze, Boenig said. All on duty firefighters in the city responded to the fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours and brought in a trackhoe late Monday afternoon to tear down some walls to get to any remaining fire in the debris.

A fire investigator was called to the scene.