Fire Damages Pole Barn Southeast of Altamont

Fire damaged a shed south and east of Altamont Tuesday afternoon.

The pole barn structure is owned by Tyler Schumacher. Altamont Assistant Fire Chief Andy Voelker said two vehicles were inside the structure, along with tools and materials. No livestock was inside the structure. No one was injured. Voelker said they don't know what caused the fire, but it started in the ceiling of the structure.

Voelker said firefighters were called to the scene at 1:47pm and returned to the fire station at 4pm. Fire companies from St. Elmo, Edgewood, Shumway and Brownstown all assisted, with Brownstown staffing the Altamont station in case of another fire call.

Voelker said there was smoke and heat damage in the building and thought that, while much of the building is still standing, much of its structural integrity was compromised and it will likely be considered a total loss.