MT. ZION, Ill. -- An electrical fire broke out at the firehouse in Mount Zion around 4:20 a.m. Saturday, causing millions of dollars in damage.
No one was at the station when it happened. All Mount Zion firefighters -- mostly volunteers -- were called to the scene.
At least nine other area fire departments responded to help, but most of the damage was already done. Firefighters said they couldn't fight the fire normally because their gear was inside with the fire.
"It was too hot and too much smoke," said Fire Chief Don Wright. "It was very frustrating because we had the maximum amount of our people here and no equipment to work with."
It destroyed the ladder truck, another fire engine and a utility truck. The fire also burned the tower and caused smoke damage in other parts of the station.
Decatur and Warrensburg fire departments are lending Mt. Zion trucks until replacement.
