Details Available on Illinois Avenue House Fire

Effingham Fire Department has released details on the house fire on Illinois Avenue early Saturday morning.

Firefighters were called to 410 West Illinois at 2:52am. The home is owned by Steve Moore. Larry White lived in the home.

When Effingham firefighters reached the scene and saw the extent of the fire, a box alarm was sounded, calling in all Effingham units, as well as Teutopolis Fire Chief Tim McMahon and a unit from Teutopolis to the scene, as well as fire crews from Watson, Shumway, Montrose and Altamont Fire Chief Jon Becker to staff the Effingham stations in case of another fire call.

Firefighters fought the fire from the front and the interior of the single-story home. There was major damage to the carport and the roof of the structure, while the interior suffered major damage from the heat, smoke and water.

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Kulesza said the fire began in the carport area and spread to the exterior east wall of the house, burning the electrical wiring off the house. The live wires dropped into a nearby dumpster located in front of the house, causing the lines to arc and catch the debris inside the dumpster on fire. The fire spread through the attic area, but was contained and under control within 20 minutes. Overhaul work started immediately after the fire was brought under control. Firefighters cleared the scene at 5:30am.

A State Fire Marshal's official, Kulesza and the responding duty crew investigated the scene and determined the fire began in an area of the carport where carpet and carpet padding was stored. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but the State Fire Marshal's Office is continuing its investigation.

No one was injured.