According to Chief Tony Nichols, the Mattoon Fire Department responded to a fire at 7978 Old State Road at 12:18 today. Upon arrival, fire crews observed heavy fire and smoke coming from the building. While approaching the building several explosions were heard and felt. Fire crews deployed multiple hand lines and began a defensive fire attack. During the fire attack half of the building collapsed. The building and its contents were a total loss. There are no injuries to report at this time. The families pet dog did not make it out of the structure. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time. The Mattoon Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Lincoln Fire Protection District.
