Fire Damage Done to Effingham Residence (UPDATE)

What was termed a minor exterior fire damaged a single-family residence near the intersection of Lawrence and Third in Effingham on Sunday.

Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko reported that the homeowner, Russ Simms, was burning vegetation around his home. The fire damaged a fence and a portion of the exterior of the structure. Firefighters had to peel off some of the siding to check for any fire extension. 

Fire did get under the siding and damaged the home's sheeting. Firefighters also performed mechanical smoke evacuation on the interior of the home, and also helped corral the family's Black Lab who slipped out of the home.

Dollar value damage to the home was estimated at $5,000.

(THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE HOUSE BY THE FIRE)

Tutko said the lesson to be learned is follow the provisions of the City Burn Ordinance, and make sure you are not burning brush or vegetation next to any structures. He said the situation could have turned out dramatically different had a passing sheriff's deputy not noticed the fire in its early stages.