Grease fire believed to be cause of Mattoon house fire

MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) - Two cats were rescued, and 6 people were displaced because of a Thanksgiving house fire.

According to the Mattoon Fire Department, on Thursday at 4:55 p.m., crews responded to the 2600 block of Champaign for a house fire. When they arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from a window on the side of the house.

People living in the home met the firefighters outside and let them know that everyone was out, but there were still two cats inside.

Firefighters discovered the fire in the kitchen and successfully located the cats, safely evacuating them. They got the fire under control in 20 minutes.

Fire investigators believe the fire started as a grease fire on the stove. The Red Cross is assisting the residents.

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