[Lee Stewart]

Country Classic Cars, a Hemmings Pro dealer located just off Route 66 in Staunton, Illinois, has long been known for its large inventory of collectible cars. With five-plus storage buildings and numerous pole barns on its property, the dealership has storage room for 600-plus automobiles, but on Tuesday night, the central building caught fire, damaging or destroying as many as 150 vehicles.

The fire was reported shortly before 8:00 p.m., and quickly grew to five alarms, with an estimated 15 departments from surrounding communities responding. Gusty winds fanned the flames, and at one point there was speculation that Interstate 55, which parallels the Country Classic Cars property, would be shut down as the flames spread. A lack of on-site water compounded the difficulties faced by firefighters, who were forced to rely upon water tankers to extinguish the blaze, which was declared under control at approximately 9:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported in the fire, which appeared to be contained to a single building that served as both a storage and repair facility. Chief Rick Haase of the Staunton Fire Department reported that the blaze began in the center of the building, but quickly spread to both ends, and shortly after the arrival of firefighters on scene, the structure’s roof collapsed. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and as is standard practice in such incidents, the state fire marshal is investigating.

The exact cars damaged, and the extent of the damage to each, remains unclear as owners Russ and Anita Noel begin the process of sifting through the rubble. We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/0...-classic-cars/