x
Breaking News
More () »

Jim Beam fined in massive bourbon spill that killed fish

The distiller was fined $600K for the warehouse fire that sent bourbon into nearby waterways.

Jim Beam has been fined $600,000 for a Kentucky warehouse fire that sent bourbon into nearby waterways and killed fish.

The distiller agreed to the fine in a Dec. 6 order from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. The company will also reimburse the state $112,000.

The July 3 fire started when lightning struck a barrel warehouse near the Woodford-Franklin County line. It destroyed about 40,000 barrels of aging whiskey.

Beam Suntory is the Chicago-based spirits company that owns Jim Beam. In a Friday statement, the company said it is “committed to doing what we can to restore the environment.” 

RELATED: Official: Lightning caused Jim Beam bourbon warehouse fire

RELATED: What is aeration, and how is it saving fish in the Kentucky River?

RELATED: Jim Beam bourbon runoff causes large fish kill: Campers see, smell effects

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out