Published on May 14, 2026 7:35 am
Last Updated on May 14, 2026 3:30 pm
Mattoon Fire Department was dispatched to the 1300 block of Lafayette Wednesday afternoon for a possible structure fire with occupants still inside the building.
Crews arrived on scene at 3:35 P.M. and found a 2-1/2 story duplex located at 1304 Lafayette with fire and smoke showing from the back of this unit. Crews deployed a handline and began extinguishing the fire, while 2 additional crews began a primary search of both units. Bystanders were assisting an elderly female evacuate her apartment as firefighters reached the scene.
The fire was under control at 3:56 P.M, as crews began checking for fire extension and tending to hot spots. Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss said thanks to the bystanders, no injuries were reported at this fire as they were able to notify and assist the occupants out of the residents.
These two apartments are considered uninhabitable due to this fire. The six occupants that were displaced are being assisted by the Red Cross.
Fire department investigators then began a cause and origin investigation. This fire is still currently under investigation. All fire units cleared the scene at 6:14 P.M.
The Mattoon Fire Department was assisted at this fire by: Coles/Moultrie 911 (Cecom), Mattoon Police, Charleston Fire, Mattoon Public works, Ameren gas and electric, and American Red Cross.
