Fire Damages Home at Teutopolis Saturday Morning

Fire did major damage to a home east of Teutopolis Saturday morning.

Teutopolis firefighters were called to the hme of Leo and Debra Kitten and their four children just before 9am. The residence is located at 11731 N. 1900th Street. 

(A PHOTO OF THE INTERIOR OF THE ATTACHED GARAGE OF THE HOME)

An Effingham County sheriff's deputy was first on the scene and reported everyone was safely out of the house, but reported heavy smoke conditions. Teutopolis Chief Tim McMahon upgraded the fire call to a full still. Teutopolis firefighters were assisted by fire companies from Watson, Montrose and Dieterich, and Abbott EMS was on scene. Fire companies from Effingham, Altamont, and Sigel staffed the Teutopolis station in case of another fire call.

(A LOOK AT WHERE THE FIRE EMERGED FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE)

There are no fire hydrants in the area of the house, so water had to be shuttled to the scene by tenders. Firefighters working their way into an attached garage reported fire across the ceiling above a wood burning stove. 

Firefighters had the fire under control at 10:09am

In a Facebook post, firefighters reported heavy fire damage across the entire home in the attic. There was water damage throughout the structure.

Firefighters determined the fire began in the attic space directly above the wood burning stove. The fire advanced through the attic in the garage, advancing into the attic space in the residence.

Damage is estimated at more than $400,000 for the structure and contents. The family has made arrangements for temporary housing. No one was injured.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 12:05pm.