No one injured in major attic fire on South Madison

No one was injured Sunday at a house fire on the 800 block of South Madison Street, but the house is currently uninhabitable because the utilities have all been shut off, officials said Monday.

At about 5:20 p.m., the Du Quoin Fire Department was dispatched to 803 S. Madison St. for a reported structure fire.

A single-story, single-family home had a heavy fire going in the attic, and firefighters saw that a large part of the roof framing on the south side of the home was already well involved.

Du Quoin Engine D47 and Ladder D110 responded from Station #1 and were on scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched. Du Quoin Engine D46 had to delay for needed personnel.

Additionally, the fire damaged a large center roof vent, which meant the fire grew rapidly. Fire units initiated an immediate interior attack pulling ceilings to expose the main body of the fire.

Several crews were needed to continue suppression operations until the fire was brought under control.

Firefighters then worked to save as much inside property as they could, pulling belongings out into the yard and putting tarps over other things to prevent water damage.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, official said.

The property is owned by David Koerner. Mutual Aid companies remained on scene for approximately 1½ hrs. and the final Du Quoin unit cleared the incident approximately 7:20 p.m.

Assisting agencies were the MABAS Box Alarm; Benton Ladder and chief, Pinckneyville Engine and chief, Dowell Engine, Tamaroa Engine, Pinckneyville Ambulance Service, Du Quoin Police Department and Illinois Conservation Police.