Photos courtesy of Travis Spencer
UPDATE (9:55 P.M.): The Fire Department held a press conference. According to Fire Chief Kris Phipps, the fire was kept from spreading to other adjacent builds to the west and east of the fire, there may however be structure damage (smoke/water), that will be investigated tomorrow. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, and may take some time to figure out due to damage. There were no reported injuries.
UPDATE: Mattoon Fire Department were called to the scene around 5:30 P.M. Thursday evening. Other departments, including Charleston and Lincolns Fire Protection Districts, were notified shortly after 6:00 P.M. Firefighters now from multiple departments from around the region are coming in with efforts to contain the fire that started at Shores Jewelry in downtown Mattoon. The surrounding buildings have been evacuated, STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA.
Mattoon firefighters are on the scene of a fire at Shores Jewelry in downtown Mattoon. Broadway is blocked between 16th and 17th Streets.
Please avoid the area, we will update when we learn more.
