UPDATE: 10/20/2022 8:30PM: The following is being released by the Effingham Fire Department
The Effingham Fire Department received a call for a report of a fire inside the office at the First Presbyterian Church at 1:16 pm.
While crews were en route, dispatch advised that they were receiving multiple calls on this incident.
A full still was requested, bringing additional manpower and apparatus to the scene.
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Photo Courtesy of Effingham Fire Department Facebook Page
Upon arrival, crews had smoke and fire visible from the exterior of the structure.
A box alarm was then requested.
Crews began a very aggressive interior attack on the fire.
After approximately 15 minutes, the fire was brought under control, and crews began overhaul.
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Photo Courtesy of Effingham Fire Department Facebook Page
The entire building sustained smoke damage, and the majority of the fire damage was contained in the office area.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to conduct the fire investigation with the assistance of the Effingham Fire Department.
Firefighters were on the scene for four hours. Effingham Fire Department was assisted by Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, Ameren Electric and Gas, Altamont FPD, Dieterich FPD, Shumway FPD, Teutopolis FPD, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Cause: Under Investigation
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Photo Courtesy of Effingham Fire Department Facebook Page
Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The First Presbyterian Church located at the corner of Temple and Maple Streets has caught fire.
Emergency personnel are on the scene. Both Temple and Maple Streets are blocked off in the immediate area surrounding the church.
Please seek alternate routes to avoid getting in the way of emergency personnel.
There is no further information available at this time. We will provide updates on this as we receive them.
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