Smoke Damage at Former Dairy Bar in Altamont Monday Evening

Updated information on a report of smoke found in the former Altamont Dairy Bar Monday evening.

A passerby reported smoke coming out of the ductwork at 6:15pm. Altamont Fire Chief Jon Becker said initial information was that there was a fire on a burner, but subsequent information determined that the burner was not on. Becker said the pilot light for the stove was lighted and that something might have gotten into the pilot light area and ignited.

Becker said there was very minimal heat or fire damage, but said the smoke in the building was thick. A representative of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office was called in to help Altamont firefighters determine a cause of the fire. 

Becker said the cause of the fire is officially undetermined.

The Dairy Bar closed Friday after nearly 30 years' ownership by Alvin and Deb Schultz. The restaurant had intended to close Sunday, but large crowds cleared out their remaining food inventory by Friday evening so the business was closed a couple of days ahead of time. The Schultzes are continuing to operate their catering business out of their new location on Altamont's south end, and Kevin and Carrie Schultz continue to operate Pinky's at Lake Sara.