The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal was investigating an arson incident in Jacksonville’s north end from yesterday morning.
An initial call was placed at 3:56AM yesterday for a structure fire at 603 North Fayette Street in Jacksonville. Upon arrival, Jacksonville Fire officials spoke with Jacksonville Police and found that the structure was unoccupied. Heavy fire involvement was shown on the first floor of the two-story structure.
According to a fire department report, the main body of the fire was at the center of the home on the first floor and they were quickly able to knock it down. A search for potential victims of the home was made with no one found. Jacksonville Police noted in their report that the back door to the home was open when they arrived and a foot print was found on the back deck. Police believe the home has been sitting empty for at least the past two years, as there was no gas meter on the home and the electrical meter was off. Ameren-Illinois representatives came to the scene and disconnected power to the home in case of a potential re-kindle.
According to the Fire Department report, a can of Red & Tacky spray lube had been shoved into the wall with a small burn pattern with no spread. The main burn pattern was found on a western interior wall.
The Fire Department was able to clear the scene by 6AM with no further hot spots and no injuries to report.
Jacksonville Police, Jacksonville Fire, and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal continue to investigate. If you have any information, please call Jacksonville Police Investigations at 217-479-4630 or call the Morgan, Scott, Cass County Crime Stoppers at 217-243-7300 if you wish to remain anonymous.