Firefighters rescue family from inside burning house in Mattoon

MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) - Firefighters rescued a family from inside a burning house in Mattoon Sunday.

The Mattoon Fire Department was called to the 700 block of Prairie at 2:16 p.m. They found the front porch of the home engulfed in fire, with fire spreading into the attic space of the home.

Two people and three dogs were all inside the home at the time. Crews were able to safely escort them out the back door while other firefighters started extinguishing the fire.

718 Prairie Mattoon house fire — Credit: Mattoon Fire Department

The fire quickly spread to the attic space of the home due to high winds that the area was experiencing.

Crews were able to get the fire under control in about 30 minutes. There was extensive fire damage to the front porch and front room of the residence, while there was water and smoke damage throughout the entire structure.

The occupants were evaluated by EMS on scene but were not transported to the hospital. No injuries were reported to firefighters at this fire.

Fire department investigators began a cause and origin investigation of this fire. This fire is still under investigation.

The house is considered uninhabitable until repairs can be made.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the occupants of this fire.

The Mattoon Fire Department was assisted at this scene by Coles/Moultrie 911 (Ccom), Mattoon Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance, Ameren Gas and Electric, and the American Red Cross.