Excavation Crews Assist Firefighters After Massive Blaze at Wilshire Plaza in East Alton

❮ ❯

EAST ALTON — Crews from Stutz Excavating were called to the scene of a major strip mall fire Tuesday afternoon to begin moving debris, allowing firefighters better access to stubborn hotspots at Wilshire Plaza.

Firefighters were first dispatched around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday to a large blaze at the Wilshire Village strip mall in the 600 block of Berkshire Boulevard. The East Alton Fire Department led the response, with assistance from nearly nine surrounding departments as flames tore through a Chinese restaurant and several vacant storefronts.

Fire officials said a Dollar General store in the plaza sustained smoke and water damage while crews worked to bring the fire under control.

$2 Off ANY Haircut

Shop Local

Happy Hour Barber Stop

Get This Deal →

East Alton Fire Cleanup

A stretch of Berkshire Boulevard was shut down for several hours overnight as firefighters battled heavy flames and worked to contain the damage. Crews remained on scene Tuesday to ensure all hotspots were fully extinguished.

The Madison County Emergency Management responded with its rehab unit, providing heaters, coffee, water, Gatorade and food to firefighters during the prolonged operation.

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on scene, assisting the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal in examining the rubble and searching for clues as to the cause of the fire.

More like this:

Alton Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Fire at Skyline Towers

Apr 17, 2026

Firefighters Respond to Explosive Blaze In Godfrey On Monday Night, April 6, 2026

Apr 7, 2026

High Winds Fuel Multi-Home Fire in Bethalto Sunday Evening

Mar 22, 2026

Fire Rips Through East Alton Strip Mall Overnight

Feb 24, 2026

Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze in Bunker Hill Residence

Mar 10, 2026