A fire driven by strong winds destroyed a home just southwest of Mt. Vernon early Wednesday morning.
Jefferson Fire reports the fire started on the outside of the John Paul Braswell home at 9497 East Radius Road and rapidly spread the length of home by the strong winds. Braswell and another occupant got out safely, but lost all of their possessions.
Jefferson Fire officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Mutual aid was provided by Mt. Vernon City, Kell, Bluford, Waltonville, Wayne City and Benton on the scene while McLeansboro and the Centralia Fire Protection District provided station coverage for Jefferson Fire.
