Fire Damages Mattoon Apartment Building Thursday Morning

Fire damaged an apartment house in Mattoon early Thursday morning.

Firefighters were called to 2101 Champaign at 3:58am. Arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a first floor apartment. 

While some crews attacked the fire, other firefighters began searching the apartment building and assisting in getting occupants evacuated. Smoke was found on all three floors of the building. Several residents were assisted out of the building.

The fire was contained to the original apartment within 10 minutes.

Once all occupants were accounted for, crews began setting up fans and opening windows to remove smoke. One occupant was displaced by the fire. The Red Cross was contacted and assisted the displaced occupant. No injuries were reported from the fire.

Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss said the fire appears to have been accidental.

Crews continued ventilating the structure until it was determined that it was safe on all three floors for the rest of the tenants to return to their apartments. 

Mattoon firefighters cleared the scene at 5:49am. Mattoon firefighters were assisted by Coles/Moultrie 911, Mattoon Police, Charleston Fire Department, and American Red Cross.