Alton House Destroyed By Fire

ALTON, IL (KPLR)- Fire destroyed an apartment home and damaged two others in Alton, IL early Sunday morning. Firefighters from three departments responded to the 2 alarm fire in the 1100 block of East 7th Street. 

Alton Fire Chief Bernie Sebold told Fox 2 the first report came in a little after 4:30am.  He said one building was totally engulfed when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.

One of the two neighboring buildings had melted siding, but residents will likely be able to stay in the building.

The other neighboring building caught fire and suffered significant damage.

Five residents have been displaced.  They and two guests got out safely. 

Sebold said the cause was undetermined but suspicious. The destroyed building was vacant, had no insurance, and had been the target of recent break-ins.

Sunday morning’s gusty winds were fanning the flames, but firefighters were able to get the fire under control.