FLORENCE, Ky. — Fire crews swiftly responded to a blaze at a Publix grocery store under construction at US 42 and Richmond Road in Northern Kentucky on Thursday afternoon. The fire, reported around 1:45 p.m., sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, prompting quick action from local firefighters.
According to Fire Marshal Randy Childress, the incident began when a contractor’s roofing tar kettle heater overheated, igniting the tar and sparking the fire.
“A contractor was using a roofing tar kettle heater at the site at US 42 at Richmond Road. It overheated the tar and caught fire,” Childress said.
The flames were contained to the area where the heater was being used, and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to the main structure. No damage occurred to the partially built supermarket, which is one of the new Publix locations slated to open in Boone County as part of the company’s Kentucky expansion.
Officials reported that the heater, valued at approximately $3,500, was destroyed, but the building itself remains intact and structurally sound.
“The store under construction was not impacted,” Childress confirmed.
Emergency personnel cleared the scene shortly after ensuring there were no lingering hot spots or safety hazards.
“No one was hurt,” Childress added.
The incident caused temporary delays for workers and light traffic congestion near the construction entrance, but operations at the site are expected to resume quickly.
Publix’s Kentucky expansion, including this Florence location, is part of a broader push into the Midwest region. Despite the brief disruption, project officials expect the construction timeline to remain on track for completion in 2026.
Local authorities said the cause was accidental, and no further investigation is anticipated. Safety teams will, however, conduct a standard post-incident inspection to ensure all heating and roofing equipment meets fire safety standards before work resumes.
Originally reported by WKRC in Local 12 News.
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