Mattoon woman escapes morning house fire

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — A Mattoon woman was able to get out of her home early Friday morning after it caught fire.

The fire happened in a single-story home near Willow and 35th Streets around 3 a.m. Mattoon Fire officials said crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the front of the house and fire extending into the attic.

Neighbors advised that the woman living there was able to escape her bedroom through a window, officials said, and she confirmed with firefighters that no other people or pets were inside.

Crews were able to have the fire out within 15 minutes, but there was fire, smoke and water damage throughout the house. The home is considered uninhabitable until repairs can be made; the woman is receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

The fire is still under investigation, but officials said it appears to be an accident. No one was hurt and crews left the scene at 5:12 a.m.

Officials added that the woman was able to escape through her bedroom because the door was closed, giving her enough time to get out. The Mattoon Fire Department took the opportunity to remind people to close their bedroom doors at night and to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

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