Good Samaritans Keep House Fire from Doing More Damage

Good Samaritans kept a house fire in Effingham from being worse Monday afternoon.

(SOME OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE EXTERIOR WALL AND REAR DOOR AT 100 SOUTH CHERRY STREET MONDAY)

The Effingham Fire Department responded to the house at 100 South Cherry Street at 1:41 pm. The fire, which is being ruled accidental, was caused by an electrical malfunction in an exterior electrical outlet. The fire caused damage to the rear section of the home including melting of the home's exterior siding and a portion of the rear door.

Fire Chief Bob Tutko said quick action by neighbors are being credited with limiting the fire damage. The Good Samaritans – Billie Jo Guthrie, Brandon Evans and Hassan Hovis -- discovered the fire and alerted the home owner Todd Anderson of the fire. They then grabbed a nearby garden hose and began attacking the fire before firefighters arrived. Chief Tutko said, "the quick action of the neighbors definitely prevented further damage and they will be commended for their efforts."

Firefighters performed overhaul and inspection of the both the interior and exterior of the home to ensure no further fire extension occurred. Damage was estimated at $10,000.

Firefighters responded earlier Monday morning to a fire in a shed at the rear of 806 N Keller drive at 2:30am. A motorcycle and other valuables were destroyed in the fire.

No injuries were reported in either fire.