Fire Destroys Home in Beecher City

Fire totaled a house in Beecher City on Sunday.

The home was occupied by Logan and Megan Stine and their children at 507 W. Poplar. Tri-County Fire Protection District Chief Doug Ray said they were called to the scene about 11am. Ray said the Stines started a fire in a burn barrel. The unattended fire spread to a detached garage and then moved to the house. Ray said the family was not aware of the situation until the fire spread to the residence.

Ray said the house is still standing, but the interior was gutted and the structure will have to be taken down.

Tri-County pulled a box alarm that brought firefighters from Altamont, St. Elmo, Effingham, Shumway, Stewardson, Cowden, Herrick and Sigel. Abbott EMS assisted at the scene, Red Cross is assisting the family and brought McDonald's meals to the scene, and Martin's IGA assisted with soup and sandwiches.

Effingham County Sheriff's deputies also assisted on scene as Illinois Route 33 had to be shut down while the fire was being fought.

The fire began moving next door to WRW Construction Company. Three shipping containers behind the business suffered fire damage, but fire crews kept the blaze from damaging the main building. Ray said fire crews also had to take down a tree on the scene.

Fire crews cleared the scene about 6pm.

If you would like to help with clothing for the family, here are the sizes needed:

--boys 5/6 and 7/8

--baby boy 12-18 months and little girl 7/8

--men's XL shirts, 36/38X32 pants

--women's large shirts, 13/14 pants

--shoe sizes for the four-year-old are 11 and 12

--size 4 diapers and wipes

--shoe sizes for the five-year-old is size 12

--clothing sizes 18 months and bigger (24 month and 2T) would be appreciated

--ladies size 9 shoes

--men's size 11 tennis shoes and 10E slip on boots

--men's coveralls and cold weather gear would be appreciated, as well as any other boots to help with Logan's land clearing job, which is done in all types of weather

-- they have five hunting dogs, do food, dog related items.

You can drop off items at the Beecher City Grade School office during school hours, and at the Tri-County Fire House between noon and 1pm today.