Cost Estimates Released on Teutopolis Banquet Hall Fire

Teutopolis Fire Protection District Chief Tim McMahon said structural damage is estimated at $2 million, with the contents damage estimated at more than $250,000.

Investigations determined that the March 23 fire originated in the area of the kitchen, along a west wall in a south hallway leading from the kitchen, with the area of ignition above the ceiling. McMahon said the source of ignition has yet to be determined, with the investigation remaining open and ongoing.

Investigators from the Teutopolis Fire Protection District and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are still at work, having interviewed all of the occupants of the facility at the time of the fire, earlier in the day prior to the fire, as well as the Board members of the facility.

Investigators also determined the timeline from the point of the fire alarm activation to the time of notification to the Effingham County 911 dispatch center that toned out the fire department. A subsequent 911 call was made from an occupant of the facility, reporting smoke conditions inside.

The fire engine company reached the scene less than five minutes from being toned out. The crews reported heavy fire conditions and high heat in the kitchen area, located in the center of the facility, as they entered from the main hallway.

Structural damage includes warping of several steel beam components of the roof directly above the kitchen area, with heavy fire damage throughout the kitchen and adjoining areas. Heavy smoke damage was done throughout the entire facility.

A determination on the condition of the structure remains under investigation by a structural engineer.