Fire Destroys Outbuilding at Farm Near Dieterich

Fire destroyed an outbuilding on the Ben and Deb Niemerg farm near Dieterich over the weekend.

This story earlier indicated that Andrew Niemerg still owned the farm, but that was incorrect. 

Dieterich Assistant Fire Chief Mark Webb said a family member phoned 911 just before 3am Sunday about the fire, which destroyed a shop building. Webb said the building contained various farm tools. He said the building is a total loss, and was fully involved in flames when they received the call.

Fire companies from Montrose, Teutopolis, Effingham and Watson assisted on scene, while Shumway, Edgewood Bi-County and Wade Fire Protection District assisted with men and equipment covering the Dieterich fire station.

Webb said the last of the crews left the scene at 6:15am. He said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined; an official with the State Fire Marshal's Office was expected on scene today to work to determine the cause.

The farm is located along 2100th Street, two miles west and a half-mile south of Dieterich.