Ghastly Toxic Crisis: Jim Beam warehouse fire sends 23-mile alcohol plume into Kentucky River, killing fish

Dead fish have turned up downriver of the warehouse for days. Officials have been adding dissolved oxygen in an attempt to protect wildlife.

Despite the aeration, residents were warned Saturday that they will  see and smell dead fish in the river. They were cautioned not to eat fish that are already dead and to exercise caution when catching fish that appear to be in distress.

The alcohol plume is expected to dissipate upon reaching the much  Ohio River at some point Monday.  Emergency officials said they will continue to monitor water quality in the area, and Beam Suntory, which owns Jim Beam, has brought in environmental cleanup contractors and consultants.

The fire, which broke out Tuesday, is out, according to Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Officials let as much alcohol as possible burn to reduce the flow of bourbon-filled runoff into the river.