Feb. 26--ROODHOUSE -- Despite the efforts of almost every fire department in Greene County, fire gutted a two-story Roodhouse building early Tuesday.
Firefighters responded to a fire at Karma Klub, 217 W. Clay St. in Roodhouse, about 4:45 a.m. The fire first was spotted by city police officers, Roodhouse Fire Chief Terry Hopkins said.
Flames were shooting through the roof of the bar when firefighters arrived.
They quickly called for assistance. The Carrollton, Eldred, Greenfield and White Hall fire departments assisted -- "basically every department in Greene County," Hopkins said.
The building was a total loss by 8:15 a.m., when firefighters extinguished the fire, Hopkins said.
The bar was closed when the fire started, Hopkins said. Nobody was injured.
The cause remains under investigation.
"The Roodhouse Fire Department and the surrounding departments from our neighboring communities have proven once again that they are the real deal," Mayor Joe Snyder said. "If it weren't for their bravery and determination, we would have undoubtedly seen the loss of additional businesses."
The brick structure was adjacent to several other buildings, including Burrus Drugs and Pack Mule Antiques, Snyder said.
"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our local firefighters," he said. "Their teamwork in a time of crisis is an inspiration to us all."
Copyright 2013 - The Telegraph, Alton, Ill.
