Old Atlantic Cotton Mill Destroyed by Fire

The Old Atlantic Cotton Mill building in Macon engulfed in flames late Thursday afternoon and burned to the ground. The mill is located behind the Kroger on Pio Nono Avenue.

Macon-Bibb County Fire Chief Marvin Riggins tells 41NBC the fire was a code red, meaning all the firemen on the scene evacuated the building and attacked the structure from the outside since it was so dangerous. The roof collapsed and timbers fell for several hours, as the Macon-Bibb Fire Department contained the massive blaze. 

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries are reported.

Cheif Riggins says one nearby apartment did experience some exterior damage.  Residents in the area were evacuated.  Power was knocked out for nearly 2,000 residents in the area because of the fire, but has since been restored.

A representative with The Historic Macon Foundation, Josh Rogers, says a developer from North Carolina was going to purchase the Atlantic Cotton Mill building from Mercer University and Historic Macon was planning to partner with them to restore it.

We’ll have more on this story tonight at 10pm on our sister station MY41 and 11pm on 41NBC.