VIDEO: Fire Damages Habing Guns

VIDEO UNDER STORY

Fire did damage at Habing Guns west of Effingham Monday morning, but the fire did not reach the ammunition and weapons inside.

Altamont Fire Chief Jon Becker said the fire was noticed about 7:30am by a member of the Habing family.  Altamont firefighters responded with assistance from St. Elmo firefighters who staffed the Altamont station and from Shumway firefighters who actually were closer to the scene than Altamont, since the scene is at the far eastern point of the Altamont district.  Tri County Firefighters were initially called out from Beecher City, but were cancelled en route.  Altamont Ambulance Service, Effingham Water Authority police and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department all assisted.

Becker said there was structural damage.  Firefighters had to vent the roof to knock down the fire.  A representative of the Office of the State Fire Marshal will inspect the scene to help determine the cause of the fire.

No one was injured.  Habing family members indicated it could be two weeks to a month before the business is able to re-open.

Below is our conversation with Altamont Fire Chief Jon Becker at the scene...