Fire Damages Apartment Building at Fayette and 4th; Arson Suspected

(FLAMES BURST THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE APARTMENT BUILDING JUST SOUTH OF FAYETTE AND 4TH)

Fire has totaled a two-story apartment building just south of the intersection of Fayette and 4th in Effingham. Authorities suspect Arson and a person is in custody in connection with the incident.

The yellow-painted structure is on the west side of 4th Street, just south of A-1 Liquors. The fire call came at 2:45pm.

Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko said the first arriving crew found heavy smoke billowing from the structure and active fire on two rear floors of the structure. The former single- family home had been converted to seven individual rental units, with one unit being actively rented at the time of the fire. Tutko said firefighters acted quickly, but said the fire had already gained a foothold within the walls and roof assembly. After a quick entry to check for possible victims, the fire crews were withdrawn from the structure and a "defensive fire attack" was initiated.

Tutko said, "While rescue is important in such situations, the safety of the firefighters is also paramount when confronted by the heavy fire and smoke conditions that had compromised the structural integrity of the building."

(THE EFFINGHAM AERIAL UNIT POURS WATER DOWN ON THE APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE)

The fire was stubborn to extinguish. Crews were on the scene chasing "hot spots" until about 7pm. The very windy, snowy and cold conditions hampered firefighters, but there were no injuries and the water supply was not affected by the cold. Tutko said, "We had a lot of very cold firefighters on scene and I commend them for their hard work in extinguishing the fire." He said crews also had a lot of equipment to thaw out and clean up afterwards.

Effingham firefighters were assisted on scene by fire companies from Teutopolis and Shumway, and Altamont and Montrose firefighters were in town to staff the Effingham stations in case of other fires. The Altamont and Montrose departments responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred during the fire activity.

Ameren Gas and Electric were on scene to secure the utilities and Ameren crews had to shut down power to the immediate area in order for the fire department to safely use their tower ladder and ladder truck for aerial firefighting operations. Power was restored to the area once the fire was extinguished. Abbott EMS provided an ambulance at the scene and monitored the health of the firefighters after the incident.

The fire is being deemed suspicious and the fire is being investigated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A person of interest is being held at Effingham County Jail in connection with the fire. 26-year-old Joseph Wrischnik of Effingham is being held on a charge of Arson.

Tutko reported the structure is a total loss and, according to the building owner, the structure was not insured.

The chief also wanted to express gratitude to Alec Ring of Ring Financial, located across 4th Street from the fire scene for offering his business as a warming shelter at the time of the fire.