Fire Destroys Businesses in Illinois City; Draws Over 100 Firefighters

A fire destroyed several businesses in the central Illinois city of Farmington, drawing more than 100 firefighters to the scene.

Demolition of the destroyed buildings started in the afternoon after the blaze early on Oct. 25. Businesses that were destroyed included a bar, an insurance agency, an information technology store and a women’s health store.

Fulton County Emergency Services Disaster Agency director Chris Helle says more than 30 fire departments from several counties responded.

Authorities didn’t immediately know what caused the fire or have a damage estimate. The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating.

Farmington is about 20 miles west of Peoria.