Man Found Dead in House Fire Near Dieterich

(THE HOUSE NORTH OF DIETERICH THAT CAUGHT FIRE THURSDAY MORNING)

A local man was found dead in a home that caught fire early Thursday morning.

48-year-old Jason Baughman was found dead on the first floor of a residence at 11493 North 2200th Street. Baughman was pronounced dead at the scene by Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes, The fire was reported to Dieterich firefighters at 9:13am, and Rhodes was called to the scene at 11:24am when firefighters discovered Baughman's body after the fire was out.

A host of fire companies were called to the scene, including Dieterich, Teutopolis, Montrose, Wade Fire District, Edgewood, Altamont, Effingham and Shumway. Most of the fire companies were called to the scene, while others were asked to staff the Dieterich station in case of another fire call. Effingham County Sheriff's Department and Abbott EMS also assisted at the scene.

Dieterich Fire Chief Ross Martin told Coroner Rhodes that there was no electricity or natural gas service active to the home, but kerosene and propane heaters were found inside the structure.

Rhodes said the preliminary investigation indicates no foul play was involved in Baughman's death.

The Coroner's Office and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office will continue to investigate the incident.