Structure Fire Contained In Shumway

The Shumway Fire Protection District responded to a report of a structure fire at 206 West North Street in Shumway, the Kelly and Lee Mason residence, Wednesday, November 20 at approximately 6:25 p.m.

Effingham County received a 911 call from a neighbor saying he could see and smell smoke coming from the house.
 
The first arriving Engine Company was on the scene at 6:35 p.m., and reported smoke coming from the upstairs. A full still alarm was requested and brought additional apparatus and personnel to the scene from Watson, Effingham, Beecher City and City County Ambulance.

“The first arriving company on the scene observed heavy smoke coming from the second floor and it was unclear if anyone was in the home," said Chief Joe Kemme. "We requested a full still alarm which brought extra crews to the scene. We wanted to have help on the way just in case we needed them rather then not having them there if we needed them."
 
According to neighbors who discovered the fire, they could see smoke coming from the house but could not see inside due to the windows being covered. They did not think the homeowners were home, but they were unsure because the homeowners were in the process of moving.
 
The fire was brought under control at 6:46 p.m., and crews remained on scene for approximately one hour checking the home for hot spots. Investigators from Shumway and the Illinois State Fire Marshalls Office are looking into the fire to determine the exact cause. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.