Watson Firefighters Handle House Fires on Friday, Sunday

Watson firefighters have been busy in recent days with two house fires in a three-day period.

The first call came at 6:22pm Friday, at the Charles Braasch residence at 9971 North 1290th Street. A caller notified authorities of smoke coming from the garage of the home. Effingham and Shumway firefighters were immediately dispatched on automatic aid. First arriving companies reported a working fire in the kitchen area of the residence. The incident was elevated to Full Still level, bringing companies from Teutopolis and Dieterich to the scene, and Altamont and Edgewood Bi-County companies for change of quarters assignments. 

The fire was marked under control at 6:50pm. 

Fire damage was contained to the kitchen, but the entire home suffered heavy smoke damage. At this time, a dollar loss estimate on the property and contents is not available.

All fire companies were clear of the scene at 7:53pm. 

The subsequent investigation revealed the fire originated due to improperly discarded smoking materials. The fire was ruled accidental.

Another fire call for Watson firefighters came at 7:28pm Sunday, at the Joe and Angie LaSarge residence at 15097 East 875th Road. A caller reported fire coming from the garage of the home. Effingham and Shumway firefighters were immediately dispatched for automatic aid.

Prior to the arrival of any fire personnel, passersby stopped and used a garden hose to apply water to the fire through a garage window. The action by the passersby knocked down the fire until fire companies reached the scene, and firefighters said that action likely prevented a larger property loss.

Fire companies finished extinguishing the fire and performing overhaul operations in the garage, as well as ventilating smoke from the home. Fire and smoke damage was confined to the garage. 

The subsequent investigation revealed the point of origin of the fire was near a battery charging unit, but the cause is undetermined at this time. 

The Effingham County Sheriff's Office and Rural Med EMS assisted on scene. 

All companies were clear of the scene at 8:30pm. At this time, a dollar loss on the property and contents is not available.