Indiana County Sues over 2009 Courthouse Fire

A southern Indiana county is suing three companies, accusing them of negligence in a fire that heavily damaged its historic courthouse.

JeffersonCounty’s lawsuit contends that a worker for one of the companies was welding copper downspouts when nearby combustibles ignited the landmark in the Ohio River city of Madison. The 2009 fire destroyed the 1855 courthouse’s bell tower and gutted its third floor as a renovation was wrapping up.

The county commissioners sued Teton Corp., Innovative Roofing Solutions Inc. and Gutapfel Roofing Inc. last week in a Jefferson County court. The suit alleges negligence and breach of warranties.

The commissioners’ attorney tells The Madison Courier the suit was filed after attempts to reach a settlement failed. The companies didn’t immediately return messages Tuesday from The Associated Press seeking comment.