Fire of undetermined origin caused between $25,000 and $30,000 damage Friday night at the Williamson County Airport between Marion and Herrin. The damage was confined to the administration building and was first seen by an Ozark airline night watchman. The Marion and Herrin fire departments responded to the fire call and extinguished the blaze. Dee Rodd of Marion, who is chairman of the Airport Authority Board, said Saturday morning that the damage was covered by insurance. He said that the flames were first seen near the kitchen area but they were not positive that it started there. The airport authority has been spending several thousand dollars to enlarge the administration building, which was valued at over $35,000. They had planned to move into their enlarged building in the very near future, but now will be delayed until repairs can be made. The portion that was the most seriously damaged was the old part, where the lunchroom was located. Ozark Airlines was using the C.A.P. building while the administration building was being remodeled and will now have to continue using that space. However, waiting room facilities will be available for the air travelers at the hangar and at the small C.A.P. building. The Marion and Herrin fire departments reported that the building was badly gutted and said “there isn’t much left to build-on.” The fire started about 10:30 pm.

(Extracted  from local newspapers and compiled by Harry Boyd, posted at http://www.marionfire.us )