Fire Damages House on North Pembroke Thursday Night

(PHOTO COURTESY OF EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT)

Fire damaged a house in Effingham late Thursday night.

Effingham Fire Department was called to 809 North Pembroke Street at 11:19pm. Firefighters responded to a reported chimney fire. Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke coming from the chimney and roofline. The fire had spread into the attic of the residence.

All occupants were out of the home when firefighters reached the scene. 

The fire was brought under control within approximately 15 minutes. Crews remained on scene until 1:20am, conducting extensive overhaul and investigating the incident.

Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum said the fire has been determined to be accidental, with estimated damages totaling approximately $75,000.

In addition to Effingham Fire Department, other agencies assisting included Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, and fire departments from Teutopolis, Shumway, Altamont and Dieterich.