House Fire in Mattoon Sunday

No one was injured in a house fire in Mattoon Sunday.

Mattoon firefighters were called to 217 Woodlawn at 9:06am. The occupants were home at the time of the fire. 

Mattoon Fire Chief Tony Nichols said smoke and flame was showing from the residence when they arrived. Nichols said crews were met with difficulties due to building construction. Fire, smoke and water damage was noted throughout the residence. 

Nichols said the house is more than likely a total loss. He said a candle caused the fire and said the fire was determined to be accidental.

Mattoon firefighters were assisted by Charleston Fire Department, Mattoon police and public works, Dunn's and MJ's Ambulance Services, and Ameren gas and electric.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 12:10pm.

Mattoon firefighters shared these candle safety tips:

• Candles should be placed in a sturdy candle holder.
• Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.
• When lighting candles at a candle lighting service, have the person with the unlit candle dip their candle into the flame of the lit candle.
• Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
• Candles placed on, or near tables, altars, or shrines, must be watched by an adult.
• If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink
• Candles should be out of the reach of children and pets