House Fire On 4th Street Friday Afternoon

Fire did damage to a home at 309 South 4th Street in Effingham Friday afternoon.

The fire call came at 1:51pm. The home is owned by Pharabe Norman. 

Norman was home at the time of the fire, as was a renter. Norman, who is working overnights, was asleep but was awakened when the power in the house went out. She and the renter escaped unharmed.

Effingham Fire Chief Joe Holomy indicated the fire was most likely electrical in origin. While there was little exterior damage, there was fire and smoke damage in the interior. Firefighters had the situation under control within minutes of arriving on scene, and were clearing the scene about 3pm. 

Holomy said the bulk of any damage done was to the rear of the structure.

While emergency crews were working on scene, they also were concerned for one of their own, as Pharabe Norman is a City and County 911 Telecommunicator.