House Fire in Mattoon Monday

Fire damaged a house in Mattoon Monday morning, and an occupant of the house was taken for treatment.

Mattoon Fire Chief Tony Nichols reported the fire occurred at 705 South 16th Street. Firefighters were called to the scene at 6:45am and found smoke throughout the residence and an active fire in an upstairs bedroom.

Fire crews were able to confine the fire to the bedroom.

Two people were located inside the home. One occupant was treated at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center for burns and smoke inhalation.

Firefighters determined that the fire was accidental, but was the result of lighted candles that had been left unattended. Smoke damage was noted throughout the residence, with heat and water damage inside the upstairs bedroom where the fire began.

Mattoon firefighters were assisted by Charleston firefighters, Mattoon Police, and Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance Service. Fire department personnel cleared the scene at 7:30am.

Firefighters remind you to blow out all candles before you leave a room or go to bed, and to make sure you maintain a working smoke alarm.