A mobile home that had been added onto several times was destroyed in a Friday night fire.
Assistant Salem Fire Protection District Chief Bill Fulton says the Tannis Weems family was able to get out of their home at 4327 State Route 161 between Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 37 without injury after discovering the fire. Passersby reported the blaze.
Fulton says upon arrival, flames were shooting from the home. They were able to get a car out of the carport without damage and also saved a nearby detached garage.
Fulton reports the fire was difficult to fight because of three different roofs that had been placed on the home as well as the multiple additions. The State Fire Marshall will look at the fire scene next week, but Fulton believes an electrical issue most likely started the fire.
There was no nearby fire hydrant so water had to be trucked from the Cartter water tower. An estimated 30,000 gallons of water were used.
Salem called Kell, Odin, and Centralia District Firemen for mutual aid, while Kinmundy-Alma stood by at the Salem Fire Station in the event of another fire.
Firemen received the call at six pm and were on the scene for five hours.
