Fire Damages Huels Home at North Edge of Altamont (UPDATE)

Firefighters from several companies handled a house fire at the north edge of Altamont Thursday morning.

No one was injured.

The fire call came shortly after 8am to the home of Stan and Nancy Huels, east across the Altamont blacktop from St. Clare Cemetery. Altamont Fire Chief Jon Becker said crews worked to gain access to the fire, which is believed to have started upstairs in the southeast corner of the house. The structure is capped by a metal roof, limiting access to the fire. 

Becker said a wood burning stove was a possible problem that led to the fire.

Firefighters cleared the scene just after 1pm.

The location was once a stagecoach stop. 

Altamont firefighters were joined by fire companies from  Shumway, St. Elmo, Tri-County from Beecher City, Edgewood Bi-County, Dieterich, Teutopolis and Effingham. Also on scene was Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Altamont Police Department, A-1 Ambulance and Rural Med EMS, and Altamont Electric Company and other utility services.