Fire Destroys House North of Wheeler

Fire destroyed a house north of Wheeler Saturday night.

Dieterich Fire Protection District Chief Ross Martin said the call came about 7pm. The Dieterich prayer page reported the house was owned by Porter and Jen Emmerich, and was located about three miles north of Wheeler.

Martin said the cause of the fire isn't certain, but likely started in the garage area. He said no one was at home at the time of the fire. 

Martin said the cold conditions hampered firefighters. He said the water was freezing as it came out of the ground and got into the lines used to fight the fire. The home was a total loss. Martin estimated the loss at between $300,000 and $400,000.

Dieterich firefighters were assisted by companies from Watson, Wade Township and Teutopolis, while companies from Effingham, Altamont and Shumway covered the Dieterich station in case of another call. One of the companies established a warming center for firefighters at the scene. Jasper County EMS and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office also assisted.

No injuries were reported.