The Illinois State Fire Marshall has been called in to investigate the house fire on Monroe Street in Clinton from Tuesday night.
Firefighters were called about 10:45 p.m. to a one and a half story house in the 500 block of North Monroe Street, across from St. John's Catholic Church. Clinton Fire Chief Shawn Milton reports they arrived and heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof of the home. He says the fire was very difficult to combat because of multiple layers of roofing at the home.
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Chief Milton says his crews were on the scene until 4:40 a.m then were called back shortly after 6 a.m. after the fire had reignited and remained on the scene until about 9:30 a.m.
Chief Milton would not confirm reports of the fire being a case of arson or related to other recent fires the city has seen. He says the State Fire Marshall is being called in to aid in the investigation.
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This fire is the most recent in a string of fires that have been reported in the northwest portion of Clinton. Most recently a fire destroyed a garage and damaged buildings around it along with other small fires that were reported. Chief Milton asks anyone with information to call the Clinton Police Department at 217-935-9441.