File this under: Useless information that is still kind of interesting.

Rep. Paul Broun’s district director, Jordan Chinouth, toured the ruins of the Georgia Theatre this morning, and Broun’s office sent out a press release about it.

Marc Jackson with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives invited Broun to the scene to show off how well the ATF works with state and local agencies, Broun spokeswoman Jessica Morris said. Congress is in session, so he couldn’t come down, but he sent Chinouth instead.

Morris wouldn’t reveal Chinouth’s impressions or anything he learned inside, other than to say everything is really charred.

Broun released this statement today about the fire:

“Like so many of you, I was deeply disappointed to hear the news of Friday’s morning fire at the Georgia Theater, which was more than just a music venue. Our famous theater first served our community as a YMCA and later gained distinction for the legendary musicians who passed through its doors. No doubt, this multi-alarm fire took our town by surprise. I, however, am encouraged by the rapid response of our local firefighters, who were on the scene within two to three minutes after the call came in. I also commend the cooperative work of the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as they seek to determine what started the blaze that consumed this Athens landmark. This local tragedy shows how well our local, state, and federal agencies do partner together in times of emergency.”

The fire is, inexplicably, front-page news in Augusta as well as in Athens, Morris said.

Mayor Heidi Davison said she’s stopped by the theater periodically this week but hasn’t asked to go inside.

“I usually try to stay away and let people do their jobs,” she said.

Blake.aued@onlineathens.com