Springfield Fire Department crews responded quickly to a fire that erupted around 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at a small building on West Avenue in the city’s west side. The structure, located at 811 S. West Ave., has a colorful past that includes serving as the former headquarters of a Springfield chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Rapid response and no injuries
Division chief of fire operations Eric Latimer said fire crews were on scene within two minutes of the call. The fire was extinguished before it could spread, and there were no reported injuries among occupants or nearby residents.
Investigation continues
The incident remains under investigation by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, which is working to determine the cause of the blaze. Authorities have not released any further details at this time.
History of the property
The two‑story building has long been a fixture in west Springfield. In 2022, during a police investigation into a drive‑by shooting, the property was identified as the headquarters of the local Hells Angels chapter. Springfield Police Department and FBI agents searched the site that year for a suspect linked to the shooting, confirming the building’s reputation as a known hangout for the outlaw motorcycle club.
Beyond its association with the club, the building also has a nostalgic connection to Springfield’s baseball heritage. It once housed the concession stand for Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Springfield Cubs, a farm team for the Chicago Cubs.
Current ownership and value
City records show the property has been owned by Scott Jarvis since April 2021. Although it was listed for sale in 2023, the Greene County Assessor’s Office records indicate the building was appraised at $101,800. The Daily Citizen attempted to reach Jarvis for comment on Sept. 2 but was unable to make contact.
What this means for the neighborhood
While the fire appears to have been contained without harm, the incident underscores the importance of vigilant fire safety measures in older structures, especially those with a history of varied uses. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to keep fire alarms and extinguishers in working order.
The Springfield Fire Department will release further information once the investigation is complete. In the meantime, the community can take comfort in the swift response that prevented any injuries and limited damage to the historic building.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
