Apartment Fire in Effingham Tuesday Night

Effingham firefighters were called to an apartment fire at 409 West St. Anthony Avenue Tuesday night.

Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko said the apartment resident arrived home about 9:15pm and noticed a burning electrical smell in his unit. When he searched the residence, he found the bathroom ceiling fixture melted and a haze in the bathroom. The occupant exited the building and phoned 911.

Arriving firefighters utilized a thermal imaging camera, which showed a high signature in the attic space. Firefighters removed the ceiling and found part of the roof truss assembly charred and on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and salvage and overhaul of the area was completed. 

Tutko said the fire cause was accidental with the origin being an electrical issue with the bathroom ceiling fan.

Damage value was estimated about $10,000.