A maintenance shop for A&A Attractions was destroyed by fire Saturday morning on the west end of Fairbury.
“It was clear through the roof before we got there,” said Fairbury Fire Chief Martin Steidinger.
Steidinger noted there was a truck in the building, located on the north side of U.S. Route 24, along with items stored inside such as carnival game prizes and shop equipment. The official cause of the morning fire is unknown.
A witness posted a video of the blaze to social media early Saturday which shows a small explosion as emergency crews were arriving on the scene. Steidinger said there was a kitchen in the back. No one was injured and the fire was contained to the building, not impacting nearby structures. A couple of electrical lines melted outside.
“It burnt the roof completely off of it,” added Steidinger.
Though weather conditions were foggy at the time, a large plume of smoke was visible rising above the edge of town.
Responding fire departments came from Fairbury, Forrest, Chatsworth, Strawn, Saunemin, Cullom, Pontiac, Chenoa, Lexington and Cropsey. SELCAS personnel were also on the scene along with the Fairbury Police Department.
“I don’t think it took too long to go from a small fire to fully engulfed,” observed Steidinger.
A&A Attractions is operated by the Headley family. The company’s website lists A&A as a premier provider of amusement rides, carnival games and fun food to festivals, county fairs, company picnics, fundraisers, celebrations, special events and more.
