Mattoon, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The following was released by the Mattoon Firefighters #691 Facebook Page:
On Tuesday morning 5/16/2023 at 03:57 A.M. The Mattoon Fire Department was dispatched to the area behind the YMCA for a structure fire. Crews arrived on scene at 04.01 A.M and found the residence at 1608 Richmond fully involved in fire. Crews deployed hose lines and utilized 2 master stream devices to begin attacking the fire. Upon questioning neighbors, it was determined that the house was vacant. Crews worked to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring properties. There was damage to the residence next door, in the form of damage to a privacy fence, melted vinyl siding, and 2 broken windows. All damage was to the exterior of the neighboring property, crews were able to keep the fire from extending to the interior of the structure.
Due to the severity of the fire, and the partial collapse of the roof. The fire department was assisted by the public works department in pulling unstable walls of the structure down so crews could access interior hot spots, and completely extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control in a little over an hour.
A cause and origin investigation were begun, this fire is currently under investigation.
All units cleared the scene at 11:56 A.M.
No reports of any injuries occurred during this incident.
The Mattoon Fire Department was assisted at this scene by: Coles/Moultrie 911 (Com), Charleston Fire Department, Mattoon Public Works, Mattoon Police Department, Mattoon Inspections Office, Ameren Gas and Electric, Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance.
Photo courtesy of the Mattoon Firefighters #691 Facebook Page.
Comments