A two-story home just south of Mt. Vernon was heavily damaged by fire on Friday.
Jefferson Fire officials say it appears the fire at the Darlene Stalzer home at 12642 East Highway 148 started in a parking structure behind the home. The fire is believed to have jumped to the rear of the home before firemen arrived. The fire then was able to spread through a space between the first and second floors and in the second-story area below the roof.
Firemen say there was heavy fire damage to the first floor and heavy heat and smoke damage to the second floor. A hole also had to be cut through the roof to get the fire put out.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Stalzer was able to get out of the home on her own, along with her two dogs. She was checked on the scene for minor smoke inhalation but refused any medical treatment.
Jefferson Fire called Mt. Vernon, Waltonville, Woodlawn, Bluford, Kell, Wayne City, Centralia Fire Protection District, and Benton Firemen to the scene on mutual aid. Litton’s ambulance also came to the scene. Salem and McLeansboro covered the Jefferson Fire Station in the event of another fire.
The fire call came in at 5:02 on Friday. Firemen were on the scene for about four hours.
