ALTON — Firefighters were called to a blaze inside a large, empty metal building at 575 Piasa St. in Alton on Wednesday morning.
No injuries were reported in the fire, but the call provided an insight into the structure’s decay and illegal use.
The building, which was part of a tool and die operation in Alton years ago, has been a source of problems for the city in recent years. Several suspected arson fires have been reported inside the structure, either as vandalism or by homeless people trying to stay warm.
On Wednesday, signs of habitation were evident throughout the building, such as an abandoned bicycle and graffiti on walls. Beer bottles, cans, clothing, lawn chairs, trash, broken glass, a shopping cart, food wrappers and other items could be seen littering the floors.
Many of the factory’s windows also have been broken, and large pieces of broken glass litter the sidewalk in front of the building. The roof has numerous small holes, and a pile of previously burned trash was seen on the floor in one area.
Firefighters on Wednesday secured a door to the building upon leaving it.
