---
title: "Downtown Dublin fire cause undetermined"
url: https://www.hereclinton.com/2026/08/23/dublin-fire-cause-undetermined/
date: 2026-08-23T13:05:24+00:00
modified: 2026-08-23T13:05:24+00:00
author: "Alisha Villarreal"
categories: ["Business"]
site: "HERE Clinton"
attribution: "HERE Clinton"
---

# Downtown Dublin fire cause undetermined

*Source: [HERE Clinton](https://www.hereclinton.com/2026/08/23/dublin-fire-cause-undetermined/) — August 23, 2026 by Alisha Villarreal*

The cause of a fire that destroyed Proline Commercial Services at 316 E. Jackson St. in downtown Dublin on Wednesday night has been listed as undetermined, although officials believe they know where the blaze began.

Dublin Fire Chief Matthew Cutler stated the fire originated in the ceiling at the back of the building, with spray foam insulation contributing to its rapid spread. While electrical issues could not be ruled out, a definitive cause was not established. The business was a total loss, and while adjacent structures like a laundromat and a BP store sustained some heat damage, firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to them or to Proline’s warehouse behind the main building.

The Dublin Fire Department received calls about the fire at 8:58 p.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and fire were visible, indicating the fire had been burning for some time before discovery. The fire threatened two other commercial structures and large Georgia Power Co. lines next to the building. Firefighters requested Georgia Power to cut power to the building due to explosions from vehicles and other items inside, which complicated efforts to control the large fire and posed a safety risk to personnel.

The incident occurred while the city was still recovering from a 16-inch water main break the previous day. Chief Cutler was informed at approximately 1 a.m. Wednesday that the city had no water, prompting him to develop a plan for fire response without relying on the hydrant system. This plan, based on existing verbal agreements, was implemented Wednesday night.

Partnering agencies from Laurens County, East Dublin, Allentown, Johnson State Prison, Wrightsville Fire, and Dodge State Prison assisted. Dublin City Manager Josh Powell expressed relief that the chief had a contingency plan, noting that water pressure throughout the system was affected by the main break. The fire department’s tower truck was positioned in Proline’s parking lot, with other engines surrounding the building. East Jackson Street was closed for several hours due to the extensive emergency operations and the lack of functioning traffic lights, with assistance from the Dublin Police Department and other agencies.

Laurens County EMS, Laurens County EMA Director Bill Laird, and deputies from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office also provided support, alongside other city department workers. City Manager Powell arrived after the fire was largely contained, commending the crews for extinguishing the blaze without injuries or further spread. A few firefighters were treated for dehydration on scene by EMS and were able to continue their work.

Dublin Mayor Joshua Kight acknowledged the fire crews’ four-hour effort to contain the fire during Thursday’s noon City Council meeting, highlighting the effectiveness of the fire department’s proactive mutual aid agreements. The building was released to its owner just before noon on Thursday. Anyone with information regarding the fire is encouraged to contact the Dublin Fire Department.