Fire Destroys House in Stewardson Friday Night

Fire destroyed a house in Stewardson overnight Friday night.

The fire occurred at the home of Thomas and Kim Wakefield. Stewardson Fire Chief Troy Agney said the call came at 11:30pm from a woman in the house, who escaped unharmed. Agney believes the fire started in the rear of the home, located at 122 East North 1st Street, north of the bank in Stewardson. Two of the family's four pets, however, perished in the fire.

Agney was not able to determine the cause of the fire, and has called in a representative of the State Fire Marshal's office to assist. He termed the house a total loss. Stewardson firefighters were assisted by fire companies from Windsor, Neoga, Tri-County, Strasburg and Effingham. Abbott Ambulance and Stewardson Ambulance were also on scene. The last firefighters cleared the scene at 4:30am Saturday.

Agney said the Wakefields are currently staying in a motel in Effingham.