Nine area fire departments answered a call to the former Route 1 auction building north of Watseka early today (Wednesday). The building at State Route 1 and County Road 2189 N is listed a “total loss,” according to Martinton Fire Chief Jim Seabert.

The Grovensvor family had several vehicles in the approximate 40 by 60 foot structure. Some of the contents was saved.

No injury was reported.

Seabert said flames were shooting from the roof when firemen arrived just after midnight. The fire originated in the back of the building on the north-west side. The cause is under investigation.

94.1 WGFA