UPDATE FEBRUARY 27:
A person investigating the cause of the fire said this fire has been classified as accidental.
Investigators said an unspecified electrical failure in a piece of machinery cannot be eliminated as a cause of the fire. Due to the extensive damage to the machinery, we are unable to confirm what piece of the machinery failed, if any.
This statement was sent to ABC 27's Shamarria Morrison from Bryce Rawson. Rawson is a special assistant to the commissioner in the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire in Georgia.
UPDATE 5:45 P.M.
Thomas County Emergency Services said, "there will be a shelter open at the Fairgrounds tonight at 6:00 pm. if you live in vicinity of the Georgia Crate fire and have issues with smoke in your house please make plans to come stay at the shelter."
UPDATE 2:30 P.M.
A public information officer tells ABC 27's Shamarria Morrison that West Jackson Street is now open to traffic.
UPDATE 2:00 P.M.
The City of Thomasville said, "the fire is now under control. TFR and Mutual aid crews are actively engaged in getting it completely extinguished. We expect West Jackson Street to remain closed through tomorrow because of the 400 ft ceiling height cloud cover. Because of this, EMA and the Red Cross are working on a shelter plan. We will provide an update on this once this is confirmed."
UPDATE 12:15 P.M.
ABC 27 is streaming the fire scene live on Facebook. Watch the livestream and follow our page for more updates below.
UPDATE 11:05 A.M.
The Thomasville Fire Rescue, Thomasville Police Department and the City of Thomasville confirm the area will remain closed until tomorrow.
Crews were alerted of the fire at 3am.
There are currently three ladder trucks fighting the fire.
The fleet department trucks are making sure there's enough water to fight the fire.
There is no indication anyone was in the building however crews have not been able to get inside.
UPDATE 10:55 A.M.
The Camilla, Ga. Fire Department said they're assisting with the fire in Thomasville. They posted the photo to their Facebook page below.
ABC 27 checked to see if the Tallahassee Fire Department is assisting. As of 10:20 a.m., a spokesperson said they do not have any crews helping.
UPDATE 9:50 A.M.
Thomas County Emergency Services wrote on Facebook, "for anyone affected by the smoke from the Georgia Crate fire, there is a comfort station open at 1112 Lester Street."
ABC 27's Maya Sargent also reports World Wide Ministries Council Member, Terry Scott, said they are offering breakfast and encouraging people to go there if they are having breathing issues. They have staff members on hand if people in the south side of Thomasville want to evacuate their houses or are having breathing issues.
Sargent also reports the City of Thomasville says they’ll be fighting this fire all day due to the scale of the situation. Surrounding counties are here helping with the response.
UPDATE: 9:45 A.M.
The City of Thomasville wrote on Facebook, "citizens in close proximity of today’s fire with health issues related to compromised lungs or breathing issues are encouraged to seek shelter in other areas. It will take some time before smoke subsides. Multiple fire crews continue to work as safely and diligently as possible."
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Thomasville Fire Department is currently on scene of a large structure fire at Georgia Crate & Basket Company, located at 1200 Parnell St.
Thomasville Police Department posted about the structure fire just after 7am Wednesday morning.
West Jackson Street will be blocked off to prevent vehicle traffic from the intersections of South/North MLK and West Jackson Street to South College and West Jackson Street.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
