Published on July 1, 2025 6:22 am
Last Updated on July 1, 2025 6:22 am
Fire damaged a home in Homewood Subdivision overnight.
Fire Chief Brant Yochum said Effingham firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a residence at 707 Dogwood Avenue at 11:44pm Monday. Upon arrival, crews observed smoke coming from both the front and garage doors of the structure.
Effingham Police Department officers were first on the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire using fire extinguishers, but were forced to evacuate due to heavy smoke conditions. Fire crews entered the structure and extinguished the kitchen fire using a water extinguisher.
Yochum said the fire was contained in the kitchen area, but smoke damage extended throughout the residence. Firefighters conducted overhaul operations, checked for fire extension, ventilated the structure to clear smoke, and investigated the fire. Teutopolis Fire Protection District personnel conducted the primary search and located a family cat unharmed inside the home.
Crews remained on scene for approximately one hour. Two residents were displaced as a result of the fire. Neither resident was injured. The fire has been determined to be accidental in nature, with total damage estimated at $75,000.
Agencies involved included Effingham City Dispatch, the Effingham City Police Department, Rural Med EMS, Teutopolis Fire Protection District, Shumway Fire Protection District, and the Illinois State Police.
