Sprinkler system saves landmark Athens tavern from serious damage

Firefighters at The Globe on North Lumkin Street (Mandy King for Classic City News)

By Joe Johnson

The Globe, a landmark tavern in downtown Athens was spared from serious damage early Friday when a fire was mitigated by the building's sprinkler system.

According to Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services, fire crews at 6:05 a.m. responded to a reported structure fire at The Globe, located at 199 N. Lumpkin St.

Mandy King/Classic City News

On arrival, fire crews reported smoke coming from the side door on Clayton Street. They then forced their way inside and located a fire in the basement. After extinguishing it the fire crews checked for any fire extension before ventilating the building.

"Activation of the building’s sprinkler system helped contain the fire in the basement," Fire Chief Nate Moss said. "Without this critical safety measure in place, damage to the property could have been significantly worse."

The Globe has been in business since 1989, and is one of the landmark establishments in downtown Athens. It was once counted among Esquire magazine's "Best Bars in America."

ACCFES

Miss said The Globe incident "points to the benefits and importance of regular inspection and maintenance of commercial sprinkler systems."

No injuries were reported, Moss said, adding that

the cause and origin of the fire were still under investigation.