Fire Damages House on North Avenue in Effingham

(SOME OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO A HOUSE AT 620 NORTH AVENUE IN EFFINGHAM)

Significant damage was done to a house on Effingham's north side Tuesday morning.

The fire occurred about 11am at 620 North Avenue. The home is occupied by Shastine McClendon and her son and daughter, and is owned by Chris and Greg Niebrugge. The fire began in her son's bedroom. Fire officials said that since the door to the bedroom was closed, the fire was confined to that area of the home, but there was smoke throughout the single-story structure.

McClendon was home alone at the time of the fire and when the smoke detector sounded, she got out safely.

Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum said crews had the fire extinguished within five minutes of their arrival.

Effingham, Teutopolis and Shumway firefighters were on scene, along with Rural Med EMS, Effingham City Police Department, Effingham City EMA, and AmerenIllinois. The State Fire Marshal's Office was called to assist in an investigation of the fire.

We have shoe and clothing sizes for the kids: Aaliyah clothes size 12 and shoe size 5. Her 16-year old brother Eliayas wears large shirts, 32/34 jeans/pants, and size 11 shoe.