Published on November 9, 2026 9:29 am
Last Updated on November 9, 2026 9:29 am
On Sunday, November 8th, the Mattoon Fire Department was dispatched at 9:39 pm to 608 Richmond Ave for a possible fire inside of an apartment. Dispatch advised unknown if residents were inside, but there were 2 dogs. Crews arrived on the scene at 9:42 to find a duplex with smoke coming from inside the east apartment. The resident from the attached apartment had heard the smoke detectors and contracted 911.
Crews entered the apartment with a hose line and quickly found the fire in the kitchen area of the apartment. Additional crews were establishing a water supply and searching the apartment for the pets. Mattoon PD had located one of the dogs in a crate and was able to remove the crate from the apartment. Officers were given Oxygen to administer to the dog while firefighters continued to attack the fire. Search crews found the second dog and removed it to the officers who rendered aid to this dog as well. Despite the officers’ valiant efforts, both dogs were lost in the fire. Both occupants of this apartment were not at home at the time of the fire.
Once the fire was out, overhaul began to search for any fire in hidden voids in both apartments. A fire department investigator then began a cause and origin investigation. This fire remains under investigation; however, this fire is believed to be accidental in nature.
No injuries to firefighters were reported at this incident.
The Mattoon Fire Department was assisted at this fire by: Coles/Moultrie 911 (CECOM), Charleston Fire, Ameren gas and electric, the American Red Cross. The Mattoon Fire Department would especially like to thank Mattoon Police and the officers who worked so valiantly on trying to save these dogs.
