Early Sunday morning in Charleston, on West Lincoln Avenue by First Mid, a small fire began at what we believe is an unoccupied commercial building. However, it was said to have sent two people scrambling for safety after they were awakened by smoke while sleeping behind the structure. No injuries were reported due to the blaze…
The Charleston Fire Department was dispatched to 506 W. Lincoln Avenue Sunday following a report of smoke and flames coming from what appeared to be a basement in the rear of a three-story office building. When crews arrived, they found flames and smoke at the rear of the structure, quickly deployed a hose line, and extinguished the fire. Once quelled, first responders cleared the building to ensure no one else was present. The fire was contained to the exterior of the building, causing some visible damage to the structure.
During the response, Charleston Police Officers came across two individuals nearby who said they had been sleeping in the area where the fire originated and were woken up by smoke.
Investigators have not yet determined an official cause, but say they cannot rule out the improper disposal of “smoking materials” as a contributing factor.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Charleston Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Charleston Police Department, Mattoon Fire Department, and Ameren.
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