Fire Damages Garage in Effingham Wednesday

Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko said the call came to a home at 611 South 4th Street owned by Ellen Kingery.

Tutko said the fire involved the second floor of a 2-1/2 car garage. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the second floor. The garage was full of material, including foam padding that that Tutko said contributed to the fire and smoke spread.

Effingham crews were assisted at the scene by Teutopolis Fire Department with a truck company and chief; Altamont fire and Shumway fire provided backup at the Effingham stations.

There were no civilian injuries, although Tutko said one Effingham firefighter was transported by Abbott EMS to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital with chest pain. 

Tutko said the fire was classified as accidental, with the cause of the fire suspected as electrical. He estimated the damage done at $10,000.