EFFINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT - NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS - FEBRUARY 2007
Suspect Arrested in Double House Fire
February 18, 2007Chief Joseph C. Holomy - Effingham Fire Department
The Effingham Fire Department responded to the home of Hal and Elizabeth Philips of 209 Mount Vernon Avenue for a reported house fire at 07:40 hours. Upon arrival of the first engine at 7:44 hours, crews found a single story residence heavily involved in fire with fire through the roof along with two vehicles parked in the driveway on fire. In addition, the house of Tyler and Jessica Rueter at 207 Mount Vernon Avenue, directly to the east, was catching on fire as a result of the heavy fire conditions from the fire at 209 Mount Vernon Avenue. The initial alarm was upgraded at 7:45 hours to a full-still confirming two working houses fires bringing mutual aid from Teutopolis FPD and Watson FPD to cover stations in Effingham and Effingham City/County Ambulance to the scene. Firefighters had both fires under control at 8:04 hours. Crews dealt with a partially frozen fire hydrant in securing water source however this did not cause any delay in attacking the fire. All occupants were out of both residences upon arrival however the family cat from 209 Mount Vernon Avenue perished – there were no other injuries. Effingham Police Dispatch Center received several 9-1-1 calls all from neighbors reporting some type of a loud bang just prior to the fire. The initial fire at 209 Mount Vernon Avenue had no natural gas service.
The residence at 209 Mount Vernon Avenue sustained heavy structural damage however Firefighters were able to salvage many personal belongings for the family. They are staying with relatives. Both vehicles parked in the driveway also sustained substantial damage. The fire loss is estimated at $75,000 for the building, $25,000 for contents, and $40,000 for both vehicles.
The residence at 207 Mount Vernon Avenue sustained fire damage to the exterior of the home however occupants were able to return. The gas meter on the side of the home, exposed to substantial heat and fire had to be replaced by CIPS in order for occupants to have service restored. Fire loss is estimated at $15,000 for the building and $5,000 for smoke and water damage to the interior.
Fire crews and investigators left the scene at 11:07 hours
The fire is currently being ruled as suspicious and remains under investigation by the Effingham Fire Department, Effingham Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Effingham Police Department arrested a suspect who is in custody at the Effingham County Jail and are working with Altamont Police Department and the Altamont Fire Protection District on a fire that occurred just 40 minutes prior in Altamont.
Chief Holomy credits all agencies involved in the investigation with the success of arresting a suspect. Fire Chief Holomy of Effingham FD and Fire Chief Bowman of Altamont FPD communicated with each other from their respective fire scenes sharing information which was relayed on to law enforcement agencies. The Effingham and Altamont Police Departments along with the Effingham County Sheriffs Department did a tremendous job in tracking the suspect down leading to the arrest.