Published on March 5, 2026 1:05 pm
Last Updated on March 5, 2026 3:50 pm
Fire caused by a vehicle also damaged two houses along the south side of Gordon Avenue in Effingham.
The fire began just before noon at the home of Kim and Jason Gordon at 505 Gordon. Kim Gordon said her husband started his vehicle and the unit caught fire. The fire ignited the carport in which the vehicle was parked. The heat not only did damage to the Gordons’ home, but also melted the siding on the house to the east.
No one was injured. The Gordons got their dogs out of the house safely.
Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum said the fire was accidental. Damage was estimated at approximately $85,000.
Effingham firefighters were assisted by fire companies from Teutopolis and Shumway. Also assisting were Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, Ameren Electric, and Ameren Gas. Fire companies began clearing the scene about 1pm.
