Fire destroys Lilbourn cotton gin

Smoldering remains of the Nesselrodt-Campbell gin office destroyed by fire Wednesday night.

Scott Seal/MONEWS

(Lilbourn, Mo.) - The office of the old Nesselrodt-Campbell Gin Company was destroyed Wednesday night. The Lilbourn Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire at 9:45. The business is located on the south end of Lilbourn's Main Street, which is also State Highway D. or Third Street of the City.

Lilbourn Fire Chief Dave McClarty said, “ The fire started in the middle of the building and spread. The building had a metal roof made fighting the fire more difficult.” The building is a total loss, he added.

“The cause is under investigation, but is not considered suspicious,” said the Chief.

The owner used the building mainly as an office, but the gin has been closed for over 10 years.

Fire departments from New Madrid and Portageville assisted in putting out the fire.