The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that destroyed a Walnut Hill home along with a car outside the home and a shed.
The fire was at the Michael Barnhill residence at 202 Main Street. A passerby on his way to work alerted the three residents of the home so they could safely get out.
Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Boshera said there was heavy fire from the rear of the residence along with the vehicle on fire in the driveway and a storage shed on fire at the rear of the residence upon their arrival.
The fire call came in at 4:38 Wednesday morning. Firemen were on the scene about three hours.
The Centralia City Fire Department, Kell Fire, and Odin Fire all provided mutual aid assistance at the scene. Lifestar EMS stood by in the event of injuries and Ameren was dispatched to disconnect power.
