Fire Damages House in Central Part of Effingham

Fire damaged a home in the central part of Effingham this morning. No one was injured.

The call came at 8:43am to 611 Edgar Avenue, a home owned by Dustin Wheelock. The home is located a block south of Fayette Avenue at the corner of Edgar and Linden.

Effingham Assistant Fire Chief Matt Kulesza said the fire started in a wood stove on the main floor of the two-story home. The fire spread up the back wall of the structure and out around the vent out the back wall, then through the roof. Firefighters used water on hot spots on the main floor, then used the tower truck to pour water on the roof to take care of the rest of the fire.

(A SHOT OF THE BACK OF THE HOUSE WHERE THE VENT FROM THE WOOD STOVE COMES OUT OF THE STRUCTURE)

Effingham firefighters were assisted by fire companies from Teutopolis, Dieterich and Altamont. Also assisting...Effingham Police Department, Effingham City Dispatch, Rural Med EMS and Ameren. Kulesza said the fire damage estimate is $80,000.

Firefighters had the fire under control by 10am. Two other people were with Wheelock in the house at the time of the fire. Again, no one was injured.