The Jim Beam aging facility caught fire at around 11:30 PM on Tuesday, confirmed by Woodford County Emergency Management Director Drew Chandler.
It is suspected that the fire was caused by a lightening strike to one of the buildings, as no foul play has been detected.
Emergency crews were able to put out the flames in both structures approximately five hours after the fire began.
Beam Suntory spokesperson Dan Cohen stated that no one was killed or injured in the fire.
"We have a comprehensive warehouse safety program that includes regular inspections and rigorous protocols to promote safety and the security of our aging inventory," Cohen explained.
"We operate 126 barrel warehouses in Kentucky that hold approximately 3.3 million barrels for our brands," he continued, "The warehouse that was destroyed contained 45,000 barrels of relatively young whiskey from the Jim Beam mash bill."
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet has sent crews to the site, though a spokesperson revealed that "water being used to extinguish the fire will run off into the creek," and that "firefighters should let the fire burn itself off to prevent an additional runoff."
The state anticipates a "serious impact" on aquatic life in the creek and Kentucky River, though there are "no concerns over drinking water at this time."
Though the environmental effects of the fire aren't ideal, we're glad that no workers were hurt in the blaze.
h/t: WKYT, The Independent
