Effingham, Ill. – Earlier today at approximately 11:50 a.m., first responders were called to 14807 Meadowbrook Court in Effingham for a structure fire.
After first responders arrived, they found the garage of the residence engulfed in flames, and smoke as it was extending throughout the home, and onto a vehicle parked in front.
According to the Battalion Chief of the Shumway Fire Protection District, Justin Quandt, it was apparent the fire began in the garage of the home, however a cause has not been found.
During the time of the fire multiple explosions could be heard.
According to Quandt, they came from the vehicle, gas tanks, and spray paint cans stored in the garage.
Those on scene included Shumway Fire Department Teutopolis Fire Department, Altamont Fire Department, Tri-County Fire Department, Effingham Fire Department, St. Elmo Fire Department, Watson Fire Department, Abbott EMS, and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department.
Neoga Fire Department assisted in coverage for the Shumway Fire Station.
The homeowner was contacted for further comment, however he was unavailable to speak at this time.
There were no reported injuries, and the structure as well as the vehicle were considered a total loss.
UPDATE (7:11 a.m.) : In a recent update, the Shumway Fire Protection District published a press release on the incident.
The press release shared a rescue of a cat following the fire.
According to Quandt, “The homeowners were at home during the discovery of the fire and were able to escape without harm, but had been unable to locate their cat.”
