BETHALTO – The Bethalto Fire Department responded to a structure fire Sunday night at Bethalto Star Towing 300 East Bethalto Dr.
When firefighters arrived on the scene they encountered heavy fire in the front part of the business and it was spreading to the attic. A box -alarm was requested due to the fire and the cold temperatures. It was 0 degrees during the fire and a wind chill of -6.
Rosewood Heights, Cottage Hills, Meadowbrook, Wood River, and East Alton Fire Department responded. East Alton brought their ladder truck to help with the fire. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control before it spread throughout the building. Fosterburg Fire Department moved up to Bethaltos station. Alton Memorial Ambulance provided an Ambulance.
Firefighter’s gear was freezing during the fire which made it harder to work and move.
An MCT bus was requested so the firefighters could swap in and out and stay warm inside the bus. Madison County Emergency Management responded with their rehab unit to provide snacks and drinks to the firefighters. They also had heaters.
Bethalto Police Department closed Rte 140 during the fire. No injuries were reported and it’s unknown what caused the fire at this time.
