SOUTHVIEW — A fire broke out Feb. 20 at a popular bar and restaurant.
A two-alarm fire broke out at the Curve Inn in Southern View just after 9 a.m.
Springfield Fire Department Deputy Chief Julie Plunk said crews were called to the scene for multiple smoke calls and encountered heavy fire and smoke in the beer garden of the bar and restaurant, which caused part of the roof to collapse.
A corridor connects the beer garden to a more permanent structure. Plank said the fire spread to the first floor of the two-story permanent building.
She added that the pub sustained significant smoke damage to the first and second floors.
“The wind gusts were pretty strong,” Plank said, complicating the situation for firefighters. “Fortunately, (there aren’t any buildings nearby.)”
On Friday, February 20, 2026, a fire broke out at the Curve Inn in Southern View.
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While the cause is still under investigation, Plank noted there were numerous heaters and grills in the beer garden.
There have been no reports of casualties.
Plank said it took crews about 45 minutes to extinguish the fire. About 30 Springfield fire personnel were on scene.
Owner Ami Merchant said she was at the bar with two cooks and a maintenance worker when she saw smoke coming from the beer garden.
“We just left and called 911,” Merchant told the State Journal Chronicle. “It’s fast, but we’re out there.
“This building has been here since 1932, I’ve owned it for 23 years and my biggest concern right now is my employees,” Merchant added. “This is their life, they’re with me all the time and I’m just worried about them moving on and being able to survive.
“Pray for us and the staff that have been with me for 20 years.”
“I’ve known Ami since I was a kid,” added Bree Mendenhall, owner of nearby Brezie’s Roasted Beans store, as she handed out coffee and water to firefighters. “A customer who was walking out told me and I ran over (to check on Amy.)”
Plank said firefighters are expected to remain on scene to conduct repairs.
Plank said there was no immediate estimate of damage to the buildings.
(This story has been updated to add new information and photos.)
Reporter Claire Grant contributed to this report.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; x, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared in the State Journal-Register: Fire breaks out at popular Curve Inn dive bar outside Springfield
