On Oct. 27 at 4:02 p.m., the Effingham Fire Department responded to a report of a kitchen fire at 1618 Hillside Drive, apartment E5. Upon arrival, crews observed visible flames from the exterior of the structure. Firefighters immediately initiated an exterior attack.
There were reports of occupants trapped inside. Effingham Fire Department personnel successfully rescued two individuals from a second-floor apartment across from the affected unit, while a third individual jumped from a second-story window.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 45 minutes. Crews remained on scene until 7:30 p.m. for overhaul and investigation.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Effingham Fire Department. Two occupants were transported to St. Anthony Hospital by Rural Med EMS for treatment of smoke inhalation. Estimated damages are around $750,000.
The response was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, and fire departments from Teutopolis, Shumway, Watson, Altamont, Dieterich, and Montrose.
The building at 1618 and 1620 Hillside Dr. housed a total of eight apartments with 18 residents. All 18 occupants of the affected structure have been displaced.