A man was killed and a woman was injured in a fire that spread through their rural Waltonville home Wednesday morning.
The fire on Vermont Lane was first spotted as smoke coming out from under the eaves at 7:05 Wednesday morning. By the time Waltonville firemen arrived there was heavy smoke coming from the chimney and attic area of the home.
Jefferson Fire reports firemen were alerted by a relative at the scene that two people were still inside.
The male was located after firemen entered the rear of the home and was brought outside. He was transferred to a local hospital and later was pronounced dead by the Jefferson County Coroner.
Another team entered the front door and was able to bring a female victim outside. She was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a burn center for treatment. Initial reports indicated she had both burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
The fire departments hauled considerable water to the scene to supply both aerial and ground hoses.
The roof of the home burned off and only parts of the walls remain standing.
The State Fire Marshal’s office was called to investigate the cause of the fire.
A total of 20 fire departments were called to fight the fire and transport water. Waltonville called Jefferson Fire, Benton, Mt. Vernon City, Sesser, Woodlawn, Ashley, Christopher, Coello, Ewing Northern, Nashville, Valier, Kell, Centralia Fire District, Wayne City Fire, West City, Ziegler Fire, McLeansboro, and Webber Township Firemen for mutual aid. Salem Firemen covered the Jefferson Fire Station in the event of another fire.
The fire call came in at 7:05 with the last firemen leaving the scene around one pm.
