Two Children Perish in Janesville House Fire

Two young children were killed in a house fire Friday morning in Janesville, a community on the Cumberland-Coles county line. 

Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers has identified the children as 11-year-old Blaize Switzer and seven-year-old Dravin Flick. 

A statement posted by the Lincoln Fire Protection District states that they were dispatched at 3:17am for a report of a fully involved structure fire. Upon arrival, a two-story structure was found with heavy fire showing. Two individuals were able to escape out a first floor window after attempting to rescue their children who were on the second floor.

A rescue of the children was attempted, but the fire made an entry and search of the structure unsuccessful.

Fire crews remained on the scene until 12:30pm. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate the fire, and the American Red Cross was requested to assist the family.

Others assisting included Coles-Moultrie 911, the Coles County Sheriff's Office, Charleston Fire Department, Hutton Fire Protection District, Ashmore Fire Department, Toledo Fire Protection District, Wabash Fire Protection District, Clearwater, Ameren Electric and Gas.