Police Station Burns as Firefighters Watch

Firefighters allowed a police station to burn freely Tuesday, fearing that ammunition and fireworks stored inside could explode, authorities said.

A five-block area around the building was cordoned off, and nearby schools and government offices were ordered closed for the day. The evacuated area included the Clayton County Courthouse, three public schools, offices, apartments, a clinic and a church.

Officials said the downtown area of Jonesboro, which is just south of Atlanta, would be closed Tuesday and possibly today as the fire was allowed to run its course.