A building partially collapsed in downtown Fairfield yesterday afternoon. At approximately 3:05 p.m. Tuesday an exterior wall was reportedly leaning toward the street. The building was most recently known as the Tribune Printing Company and is at the corner of Main and Briggs. The Fairfield Fire Department and law enforcement responded to the scene where the North wall of the building was leaning North, toward Briggs Street.

Authorities evacuated the building, as well as Ila’s Restaurant, Revelations and apartments above the businesses. A gas leak was reported in the Tribune Printing Company and Alliant Energy shut off gas to the building. Cross Iron Excavating was called to the scene and tore down the compromised section of the building to prevent further collapse.

According to the Jefferson County Attorney, Timothy Dille, the area has been fenced off and the building will be torn down after the owner of the building and insurance adjustors survey the damage. Also, three antique automobiles were removed from the garage of the building. Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s personnel, Midwest Ambulance, Fairfield City Street Department, Fairfield Water Department and Jefferson County Attorney’s office assisted with the case.