Large blaze destroys downtown Hermann building, firefighter brought to hospital

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A firefighter was brought to an area hospital after a large fire on Monday destroyed a building on Hermann's First Street.

Multiple fire agencies working the fire and the Hermann Chamber of Commerce confirmed that the fire was at a business. Photos showed a building in the 200 block of East First Street burning and debris left behind in the aftermath.

Kevin Speckhals, chief of the Hermann Area Volunteer Fire Department, told ABC 17 News that Hermann’s Antique Attic Shop was destroyed after the roof, ceiling and back wall collapsed.  A firefighter was brought to an area hospital for heat exhaustion, Speckhals said.

Power was out on First Street as firefighters worked, the Hermann Wurst Haus posted on Facebook.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Speckals said 75 firefighters were on the scene.