Fire Damages House on Kreke Avenue

(THE FIRE SCENE SATURDAY EVENING FOLLOWING THE DEPARTURE OF FIREFIGHTERS)

A fire in a home on Kreke Avenue in Effingham left the residence uninhabitable Saturday afternoon.

Effingham firefighters were called to a home at 209 W. Kreke at 3:55pm. No one was at home at the time of the fire, but firefighters weren't certain of that when they reached the scene. The homeowner, Janice Franklin, was located at her business, but her son was unaccounted for. He was later located at a friend's house just after 5pm.

Meanwhile, firefighters encountered heavy smoke when they arrived on scene and began a search of the structure. Heavy smoke was also found on the second floor.

Effingham Fire Chief Joe Holomy said an electrical short caused the fire, which began in an attic space above the front door. Holomy said firefighters had the fire out at 5:14pm and any remaining hot spots out at 5:28pm.

Teutopolis firefighters assisted on scene, and Watson firefighters staffed Fire Station #3 on South Banker. Abbott EMS crews monitored firefighters on scene.

Holomy estimated the damage to the house and its contents at $25,000.