Brush Fire Turns Into More in Rural Altamont

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Published on April 22 2018 6:23 am
Last Updated on April 23 2018 9:05 am
Written by Matt Robinson

Altamont Fire Department was paged at 11:40 am Saturuday to 5909 N 775th Street for a reported brush fire nearing a structure and vehicles.

Further information reported was the presence of ammunition in the building. Before arrival, firefighters were informed the fire had spread to the vehicle and building and they were now involved. Due to the time of day and spread of the fire a full still mutual aid response was requested. St. Elmo, Shumway, and Beecher City were responding. 

Upon the arrival of the first firefighters, the building was on the ground, a passenger car was fully involved, and the field to the south and west was burning. The property owner, Eugene Beccue, informed firefighters of the ammunition hazard and the fact that the field could be allowed to burn as it was disked and the perimeter was mowed. The full still was canceled before any units arrived as the building and vehicle were extinguished quickly. Fire crews were sent to ensure the fire did not extend beyond the field. 

The building was used for storage of general items including various muscle car parts. At this time no estimate is available on value of the loss. 

Mr. Beccue was burning in the area and had extinguished the fire when he felt it was threatening a tractor. He discovered the fire had spread shortly thereafter and saw grass burning at the base of the building and fire igniting the rear of the vehicle. He then called 911 and attempted to extinguish the fire but it had grown beyond his control.

There were no injuries. Firefighters were assisted by Abbott Ambulance on scene.