Investigation of Bluegrass Stockyards fire continues

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fire investigators say they don’t believe arson was the cause for Saturday’s fire at the
Bluegrass Stockyards, but their investigation continues.

It’s been four days since the fire destroyed the stockyard and other businesses. Since then, Investigators have been trying to determine how and why the fire started. The Lexington Fire Department is asking for the public’s help.  If anyone has photos or video of the fire prior to crews arriving, the department would like to see them.

Multiple agencies including arson investigators and ATF are on site to help assist the Lexington Fire department.Investigators say they have at least 10 acres of land to look over before they can determine what caused Saturday’s fire.

“It’s extremely difficult!,” said Battalion Chief & Public Information Officer Joe Best. “Of course, the wind didn’t help anything. It drove the fire much further than it would normally be. That’s the importance of  the video and pictures; to have a snapshot of those moments prior to our arrival.”

ABC 36 was told this is the largest fire they have battled over three decades.

The last major fire they encountered was on February 19, 1976 at the Mammoth Garage on East Main Street. Officials say that was 4-alarm fire and there was over $250,000 in property damage.

Today, Lexington’s Thoroughbred Park sits where that garage once stood.