Barn Burned East and South of Altamont

A barn was totally destroyed by fire this morning east and south of Altamont.

Firefighters were called before 10am to a barn owned by Tina Mette.  The barn is next to the Mette home on North 650th Street.

Altamont Fire Chief Jon Becker said they're not sure what caused the fire.  The building was already fully engulfed in flames when firefighters were notified. 

Tina Mette told us at the scene that she had been in Effingham and was notified of the fire by phone by her neighbor.

Besides the building being a total loss, so were the contents including a tractor, a four-wheeler, and a lawn mower.  A pickup truck parked beside the barn was also destroyed.  Some 4-H show pigs inside were killed as were some goats and some baby rabbits and chickens. 

(THIS PICKUP TRUCK WAS SITTING ALONGSIDE THE BARN AT TINA METTE'S PROPERTY)

The house was not affected by the fire.

Firefighters from St. Elmo, Shumway and Edgewood Bi-County assisted Altamont at the scene and Farina firefighters covered the Altamont station in case of another call.  Altamont Ambulance Service was also on scene.