Published on March 31, 2026 10:07 am
Last Updated on March 31, 2026 10:07 am
The porch on a house in Effingham was damaged by fire Monday night.
The Effingham Fire Department identified a fire at 410 W. Edgar Avenue at 7:48pm. Firefighters spotted the fire following training activities near the fire station. Fire department personnel notified dispatch and responded with water extinguishers, extinguishing the fire within one minute of discovery.
Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum said the fire was contained to the porch and the area beneath it, preventing extension into the residence. Crews conducted overhaul operations, removing decking materials to check for any hidden fire extension. No extension into the home was found.
Yochum said the residence was occupied at the time of the fire, including a resident with limited mobility near the area of origin. No injuries were reported.
The fire was determined to be accidental in nature and is believed to have been caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Estimated damages are approximately $4,000.
Yochum said the incident highlights the importance of properly disposing of smoking materials and demonstrates how quick action can prevent a small fire from becoming a much larger incident.
