UPS shifts operations to alternative locations after Athens fire

UPDATE: On Wednesday, UPS Global Communications & Brand Reputation Manager Becca Hunnicutt told Local 3 News that the carrier has set up operations at alternative locations after the fire that destroyed the Athens, TN UPS facility.

The fire left the building and more than a dozen delivery trucks destroyed, along with an untold number of packages, that were in the process of being routed for delivery.

Hunnicutt said in her email to Local 3 that "Our employees are extremely important to us, and we understand the impact this may have. We remain committed to working with our employees and providing support."

PREVIOUS STORY: UPS has given a statement regarding the company's typical protocol after a fire or natural disaster happens at one of their locations:



Those impacted by UPS center fire in Athens beware of delivery notice scams
If you are anticipating a package this holiday season and get home and there is a delivery notice on your door, be sure to double check the phone number and any other information provided.

"Packages involved in this unfortunate incident go through a claims process to reimburse the shipper for the declared value, plus the cost of shipping. Package recipients should work with the shipper for a refund or replacement. Note: It may be several days before package status information is available in tracking on ups.com."


PREVIOUS STORY: Sixteen postal codes have been affected by the UPS center fire in Athens, TN.

UPS says there will be no pickups or deliveries on Wednesday in these the affected areas:

• 37303
• 37314
• 37322
• 37329
• 37331
• 37337
• 37354
• 37370
• 37371
• 37381
• 37385
• 37774
• 37826
• 37846
• 37874
• 37880

UPS said:

"We will work to ensure the safety of our employees while minimizing effects on service. Contingency plans are in place to help ensure that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as conditions permit. Note that the UPS Service Guarantee does not apply to shipments affected by this event."


PREVIOUS STORY: A fire that damaged a UPS center in McMinn County overnight is under investigation.

The fire was reported shortly after 11:50pm on Tuesday at the facility on Lawn Street in Athens.


Athens Fire Department (AFD) officials say UPS delivery trucks and the building were engulfed by flames when firefighters arrived.

Once crews learned that the two employees who were inside the building when the fire started had made it out safely, they began battling the blaze.

Fire officials say the building and about 24 trucks were heavily damaged by the fire.