Fire departments from at least five counties fought a fire that destroyed three downtown DuQuoin businesses on Wednesday afternoon.
The fire began at the large Home Lumber Company and spread to BJ’s Garden Inn and Cafe and Croessmann Wholesale Company. Firemen were able to save one other building in the block.
The fire is under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshals Office.
In all 30 fire departments responded to the call, many bringing tankers who help haul in water to the scene. Area fire departments responding were Jefferson Fire, Mt. Vernon City, Wayne City, Waltonville, and Woodlawn.
The firefighting effort snarled traffic trying to get to the DuQuion State Fair Wednesday night.
