Mattoon Fire Responds to Structure Fire

The Mattoon Fire Department was dispatched to 2513 Champaign at 01:23 A.M. for a residence filling with smoke, possible structure fire. Crews arrived on scene at 01:26 A.M and found a single-story, single-family residence with moderate smoke coming from the eves of the residence. Crews deployed a hand line and began trying to locate the fire, while an additional crew began searching the residence for any occupants. All occupants and pets were able to safely evacuate the structure prior to arrival of the fire department. The fire was found to be in the attic. An additional crew went to the roof to cut vent holes, while crews worked below in pulling ceiling to locate the seat of the fire. This structure had been added onto a couple of times creating 2 ceilings and 2 roofs, creating hidden voids that the fire was able to travel in. This created challenges in accessing the entire attic area. The fire was knocked down and considered under control at 02:29 A.M. Crews continued to open the roof, and gable ends to access the attic space where crews advanced a hose line into the attic to extinguish remaining smoldering areas.

No injuries were reported at this incident to residents or firefighters. Red Cross was notified and arrived on scene to assist with the 2 displaced adult residents.

Fire department investigators began a cause and origin investigation. This fire is to be considered accidental, and electrical in nature. All fire units cleared the scene at 04:57 A.M

The Mattoon FD was assisted at this scene by: Coles/Moultrie 911 (CECOM), Mattoon Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, Ameren gas and electric, American Red Cross.