Fire destroys tractor-trailer loads of donations, damages Fairview Heights thrift store

At least seven departments and 36 firefighters responded to a Savers Thrift Superstore in Fairview Heights Tuesday morning, where flames destroyed two tractor-trailers holding donated items.

The three-alarm fire started in one of the trailers and spread to part of the Savers building at 10899 Lincoln Trail, near the intersection of Illinois 159, said Fairview Heights Fire Department Chief Brian Doyle.

Damage to the building from smoke and radiant heat from the fire was minimal and there were no serious injuries, Doyle said. But the two trailers at back of the building, which were packed with donated clothing, were destroyed.

Firefighters were dispatched the scene at 6:06 a.m. Tuesday, he said. First responders remained on the scene through the morning.

Savers Thrift Store accepts donations of second-hand clothes and household items, resells them and gives portions of the profits to local non-profit groups. It also operates recycling and reuse programs. The company also has stores locally in Crestwood and Ellisville, Missouri.

A company representative had not been reached as of noon Tuesday.