Fire Damages Building in Mattoon Tuesday

Fire damaged a commercial building on 17th Street in Mattoon Tuesday morning.

The two-story structure contained a retail antique store on the first floor with four apartments on the second floor. Light smoke showing from the second floor resulted in the fire call at 8:36am. 

When crews found smoke coming from behind an enclosed apartment door, they forced entry and were met with heavy smoke and heat. The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes. All occupants and pets from the apartment units were able to escape prior to the arrival of the fire department.

Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss said the fire was contained to the room of origin. Due to fire, smoke and water damage, Hilligoss said that apartment unit is uninhabitable. Two people were displaced from the apartment. The other apartments have minor smoke damage. The residents of those units were able to stay in the units. There was water damage to the floor below within the antique store, directly under the apartment unit that suffered fire damage.

Hilligoss said the fire remains under investigation, but said no foul play is suspected. 

All fire units cleared the scene at 11:15am. 

Mattoon firefighters were assisted by Coles/Moultrie 911, Charleston Fire Department, Mattoon Police Department, Ameren gas and electric, and American Red Cross.