Bowling alley destroyed by fire in Litchfield

LITCHFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A bowling alley was destroyed after catching fire in Litchfield Sunday afternoon.

The Litchfield Fire Department was called to the Litchfield Bowling Alley at 3320 IL Route 16 at 2:15 p.m. for smoke coming from the building.

A firefighter who lives nearby responded and called in for more help.

The fire had spread to the roof. A hose line was used to protect a neighboring garage. Crews used ladder trucks to try and tackle the fire, but part of the roof collapsed.

Firefighters were also faced with the challenge of heavy winds which fueled the fire.

The Litchfield Street Department responded with a backhoe and helped firefighters by pulling down part of a wall.

Hidden fires continued to burn beneath the metal roof throughout the night.

The building is considered a total loss.

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal has been requested to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Litchfield Police Department.