Fire at Mattoon's Fellowship Center causes Evacuations

Print

Published on April 8 2018 2:49 pm
Last Updated on April 8 2018 3:47 pm
Written by Brian Dust

The Mattoon Fire Department responded to an activated smoke alarm at The Fellowship Center located at 301 Lafayette Avenue East on Saturday, April 7, at 1:52 p.m. Upon arrival, fire crews reported smoke and flame inside apartment 204 and requested a box alarm assignment.

Fire crews entered the apartment and worked to extinguish this fire. The fire was contained to the kitchen area. Smoke and fire damage was throughout the apartment with smoke occupying the 2nd and 3rd floors of the structure.

138 apartments were searched and evacuated. One person was transported to Sarah Bush Lincoln and six others were treated and released at the scene. The origin and cause of the fire was determined to be on the kitchen stove and was accidental.

Fire department personnel cleared the scene at 4:42 p.m.

The Mattoon Fire Department reminds everyone to keep combustible items at least three feet away from heat generating appliances, maintain working smoke alarms, and practice a home escape plan.