Investigation Continues Into Vacant House Fire Near Gila

An investigation continues into the cause of a fire that destroyed a vacant house near Gila last Friday morning.

Montrose Fire Chief Chris Overbeck said the fire was reported at 12:45am at a house located about one mile north of Gila and west. Overbeck said the house was completely engulfed in flames by the time firefighters could reach the scene. He said there's no word on what caused the fire or where in the house it began.

The house had been vacant since at least early spring, but Overbeck said the utilities were still turned on to the structure. The house was owned by Tom Simpson of the Mattoon area, who has relatives in this area.

Montrose firefighters were assisted by firefighters and equipment from Crooked Creek, Wade Township, Effingham and Sigel fire departments. Firefighters cleared the scene sometime after 4am.

Overbeck said the State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the fire, which he said is nothing out of the ordinary.