Fire at Country Classic Cars, Staunton IL

[Roadhog1951]

I'm sure some of you have visited Country Classic Cars, Staunton IL. There was an 11 alarm fire there on 8/8, It still burning as I type this. He had 48 Buicks in his current inventory,,, ,ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!

 

http://countryclassiccars.com/

[TxBuicks]

Wow, that is bad news.  I've driven past that place several times recently and even stopped a few times.  What they had outside was just as interesting.  I hope no one was hurt.

Edited August 9, 2017 by TxBuicks (see edit history)

[MrEarl]

Bad news indeed, what a shame, hopefully it is not a total loss! Thanks for sharing though. 

[smithbrother]

I just sent a note to my friend that is a close friend of the Country Classic owner, hope to hear back in a few.

 

Dale in Indy

[smithbrother]

From what I just learned, the main long building that was the office, and shop is what burnt.  Next to that was several open car ports that had cars in.  Many cars are/were on consignment, don't know if they got caught up in the fire. 

 

Not good,

 

Dale in  Indy 

[NCReatta]

I've driven by there several times, never stopped in though. 

 

Rather odd that all of their Hemmings ads are already taken down. 

[smithbrother]

If you GOOGLE fire at Country Classic car sales, you will see a Video of the massive fire.  Seems lots and lots of cars destroyed including the museum..  

 

Dale in Indy 

[riv2x4]

http://wgntv.com/2017/08/09/fire-heavily-damages-country-classic-cars-in-downstate-illinois/

[lancemb]

How damn sad!  Wow.  I hope they had insurance, but no way that will replace those cars.  News this morning said 150 cars had some damage at least, with many of them total loss.

 

That was too much value under one rickety roof IMO.

[MrEarl]

 It will be interesting to hear the cause of the fire. There are so many sources of ignition in a garage and once ignited so many combustibles and sources of fuel to promote spread. It does make one stop and consider adding a fire sprinkler system to their garage. 

It is sad and I feel sorry for the owner of the establishment and those who may have had car's their on consignment. Not to mention just the loss of all the "classic " cars period.  

[avgwarhawk]

Shame.  Rebuild or close up the business?  Time will tell. 

[smithbrother]

He told a friend of mine this morning that he is open, and insurance wiil allow him to continue.  He still had over 400 untouched cars.

 

The building was over 500 feet long, 50 feet wide.  Fire started in the middle, could be a car storted out, that's why inside car shows required pulling battery cables.

 

Dale in Indy