Authorities believe that a flammable insecticide spray sparked a fire that destroyed a well-known barn just north of Bethalto on Thursday afternoon. The Fosterburg Fire Protection District found the structure at the corner of Bethalto Road and Culp Lane fully engulfed in flames when they arrived on the scene around 4:30 yesterday. Fire crews from Bethalto, Dorsey, Brighton-Betsy Ann and Bunker Hill were also called to the scene to help prevent the blaze from spreading to surrounding grass and trees.
Fire officials say that the owner had been spraying commercial insecticides to eliminate wasps earlier in the day. He was not present when the fire erupted. There were no injuries associated with the fire, however the building and the tools inside are considered a total loss.
(Copyright WBGZ Radio/ www.AltonDailyNews.com)
