SHAWNEETOWN—Shawneetown firefighters battled not only a two-story blaze last night but high winds that rapidly spread the flames through the fully engulfed structure and threatened surrounding buildings.
According to Shawneetown Fire Chief Terry Golden, the fire call came in at approximately 11 p.m. to respond to the residence of father and son Keith and A.K. Phillips just off Highway 13 across from the old Shawneetown school.
“The winds were pretty bad last night but the men performed well and contained the fire,” sad Chief Golden. “We called out and thank the firefighters who responded from Ridgeway, Equality and old Shawneetown fire departments for manpower.”
The chief reported there were no injuries either to the Phillips or to any of the firefighters.
Sources indicate there had been some outside burning earlier in the day at the residence.
One source indicated that at one time one of the Phillips’ had attempted to put out the fire with a garden hose but failed.
“We believe the flames from the outside burning got over against the house and caused the structure to burn,” said Chief Golden.
The chief said the structure is considered a total loss.
