House Fire in Mattoon Thursday Afternoon

Mattoon firefighters handled a working structure fire Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to 415 Crestmore Avenue at 4:14pm. Upon arrival, firefighters reported heavy smoke coming from every opening in the attic, soffit areas and windows. The crew made quick entry into the house and found fire burning in the kitchen area and were able to extinguish it rather quickly. However, the fire had already burned up through an exhaust fan and into the attic area where it was free burning. Crews had to pull ceiling and cut holes in the roof to get access to the fire burning in the attic.

Mattoon Fire Chief Tony Nichols said, "Fire crews made an aggressive attack on this fire and did an outstanding job in saving this structure. This very easily could have been much worse. Fire crews were faced with hot temperatures and high humidity Thursday, but worked through it."

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire, but made it out safely. There were no injuries reported.

The cause/origin of the fire is accidental. Charleston firefighters provided backup.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 6:39pm. 

Mattoon firefighters would like to remind everyone to have a working smoke alarm in the house and to practice their home escape plan.