Historic Floyd County Courthouse Engulfed in Flames; Heavy Smoke Seen Across Downtown Rome

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | March 23, 2026

ROME, Ga. — Emergency crews are actively responding to a major fire that broke out Monday afternoon at the historic Floyd County Courthouse in downtown Rome.

TWLN cameras on the scene captured dramatic images of thick, billowing black smoke rising into the sky as flames tore through a portion of the courthouse. Firefighters could be seen aggressively battling the blaze, spraying water onto the structure in an effort to contain the fire.

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According to Floyd County Government, the courthouse was evacuated after the fire was discovered around 2:20 p.m. Monday. Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord confirmed that all employees inside the building were safely evacuated.

Crews with the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department remain on scene working to contain the blaze. Authorities have shut down multiple roads in the downtown area, and police are actively evacuating portions of Broad Street as a safety precaution.

The Rome Police Department also issued a public alert urging residents to avoid the area, stating: “AVOID 5th Avenue at Tribune and Government Plaza — fire at Historic Courthouse.”

The courthouse, originally constructed in 1893, currently serves as a tag office and has been undergoing a $4 million renovation project at the time of the fire, including recent work on brick and gutter repairs.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation. Officials say additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story.

Stay with The Weekly Ledger News as we continue to follow this situation. We will update as more information becomes available.

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