Large house fire in Decatur deemed suspicious

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur Firefighters put out a 3-story vacant house fire early Sunday morning.

Around 6:10 a.m., the DFD arrived at a 3-story house on fire in the 300 block of West North Street in Decatur.

The building was vacant. Fire crews established a water supply inside the building, with several companies manning the lines. They found hidden fire in void spaces, such as walls and ceilings.

Crews then vented the roof to relieve the heat and smoke from the building. They rotated in and out for two hours, working hard to fight the difficult fire. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm to bring in more crews.

After attacking the main part of the fire, crews went back inside to put out the remaining hot spots.

DFD said the building had limited electrical utilities, and Ameren had terminated service.

The Decatur Police Department assisted with traffic control on the scene and is aiding in the investigation. AMR Abbott Ambulance was on the scene, providing support. In all, 21 fire personnel, 5 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 4 Chief Officers, and one inspector responded to the fire.

The fire is under investigation, as it was deemed suspicious.