HERMANN, Mo. — A historic building in Hermann, Missouri, was ravaged by a major fire. While the blaze caused severe damage to cherished local businesses, the community is breathing a sigh of relief, as there were no major injuries.
Hermann’s Attic Antique Mall occupied the ground floor, with the Dappleton Hotel, a recently renovated bed-and-breakfast, on the second floor. Next door, the Downtown Deli and Custard Shoppe also suffered damage. Luci Valbuema owns a shop across the street.
“It’s terrible for our community. Just the loss of the businesses in our downtown area," Valbuema said.
About 75 firefighters from 13 nearby departments responded, containing the fire to just one building.
The Hermann Fire Department is just a block away from the fire scene, allowing firefighters to arrive in just two minutes. Among those responding: Hermann Fire Chief Kevin Speckhals.
“We were always worried about this downtown area because the buildings are so close to each other," Speckhals said.
He said the fire was one of the biggest fires of his 33-year career, and a loss for the community he loves.
“It’s just another, just another empty spot. Hermann is a tourist town. So it's just a void that is going to have to be filled somehow," Speckhals said.
He said the fire started on the first floor, but the exact cause is still unknown. During the intense response, one firefighter was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion, but fortunately, no one else was seriously hurt. Now, the focus is on coming together.
“I hope that they are able to rebuild and start new businesses there because once we lose a business in the area, it's hard on everyone," Valbuema said.
While the State Fire Marshal investigates what started the fire, there’s a sense of relief in Hermann tonight, with a community united in gratitude for a swift response and hopeful for the future.