EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT - NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - MAY 2007
Residential Fire Press Release
May 25, 2007Chief Joseph C. Holomy
Effingham Fire Department
On Wednesday, May 24, 2007 at 22:30 hours, the Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire at 106 W. Mt. Vernon Avenue. Upon arrival on the scene, crews found a single story residence full of smoke and upon entering had heavy heat conditions. Firefighters were advised all residents were believed to be out of the home. Fire was in the area of the bathroom and extended down the hallway of the residence, the fire was extinguished at 22:46 hrs. A primary search of the home confirmed all human residents had evacuated however two dogs perished in the fire as a result of the heavy smoke conditions.
A Fire Investigator from the Office of the State Fire Marshal assisted in the investigation in to the cause of the fire determined to be improperly discarded smoking materials.
The renters, Jeff Weaver and his two children, stayed with family overnight. Property owner Norma Verdeyen was also on scene evaluating the damage. Both Mr. Weaver and Ms. Verdeyen will be meeting with insurance adjusters later today. Other than the two dogs that perished in the fire, no other injuries were reported. Property damage is estimated at $10,000 for the building and $3,000 for the contents.