Fire contained at Higbee cooperage and distillery Sunday morning
HIGBEE, Mo. (KMIZ)
Randolph County Emergency Management and the Missouri State Fire Marshall are investigating a fire at the former Woodsmen Distillery and Barrel 53 Cooperage in Higbee.
Fire crews responded to the fire on Highway A around 6:30 a.m. Sunday to the building fully engulfed in flames. First responders said the fire was under control around 8:15 a.m. and there were no injuries.
"The building was not occupied at the time of the fire," David Gaines with the Randolph County Emergency Management said. "First units arrived on scene and reported that there was fire through the roof and heavy fire involvement."
Gaines said the roof and the back wall of the distillery completely collapsed and crews were working to extinguished remaining hot spots. He added no one was hurt in the fire but employees of Woodmen Distillery were on scene helping crews.
"We're just happy to support all the volunteer firefighters," Danny Clark, the president of the Higbee F.A.L.L. group said. "It takes a special person to do what they do to want to go into a burning building and risk their life. I just can't be more proud."
F.A.L.L.- "first to arrive, last to leave," Clark explained.
As burnt barrels and metal scraps were scattered across the property, the volunteer group set up a table of food and drinks for first responders. The spread included coffee, water, pizzas and breakfast. Clark estimated the group gave out around 40 drinks and about three dozen donuts.
"They tell us, 'thank you,'" Clark said. "'For supplying food and drink.' But, really, we don't need it. They're the ones we should be thanking.”
The group formed last year after Clark, his wife and her sister realized first responders didn't have much of a break to grab a bite to eat or stay hydrated. Since then, they've been setting up a free snack bar for those on scene. Like at the fire Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, firefighters were able to recover some barrels and equipment from inside the building.
"At the end of the day, that's what it's all about," Gaines added. "It's about helping your neighbors. That's what the core belief is in what we do as firefighters. Helping our community."
Those looking for more information or are hoping to join the group can find more information here, on the group's Facebook. Meetings for F.A.L.L. often take place the second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Oak Cooperage in Higbee.
