Fire Destroys Home in Effingham, Damages Another

(PHOTO COURTESY OF EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Fire destroyed a home in Effingham early Saturday morning and damaged a neighboring structure.

Effingham firefighters were called at 3:45am to 304 North 1st Street. Crews arrived to find the house fully involved in flames. The fire caused extensive heat and flame damage to a neighboring home at 302 North 1st Street. Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum said while the original structure at 304 North 1st was a total loss with estimated damages of $100,000, the neighboring property sustained approximately $50,000 in damages.

No injuries were reported. Due to the significant damage to the structure at 304 North 1st, Effingham County K9 Search and Rescue assisted with a search dog to ensure there was no one in the home.

Crews remained on scene for over three hours to extinguish the fire and conduct overhaul operations. 

(THE FIRE SCENE LATE SATURDAY MORNING)

In addition to Effingham Fire Department, agencies involved were Effingham Police Department, Effingham City Dispatch, Rural Med EMS, Shumway Fire Protection District, Altamont Fire Protection District, Edgewood Fire Protection District, and AMEREN Electric and Gas. 

Station coverage during the incident was provided by Montrose Fire Protection District, Greenup Fire Protection District, and Neoga Fire Protection District to ensure continuity of service. 

Chief Yochum said the cause of the fire is under investigation.