A vacant house on the north side of Mt. Vernon is believed to be a total loss after a fire broke out early Thanksgiving morning.
When Jefferson Fire Department arrived at 1315 11th Street, the home owned by Steve Jones of Mt. Vernon was already showing heavy flames and smoke. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office. No injuries were reported.
Jefferson Fire requested mutual aid from the Kell, Mt. Vernon, Wayne City, and Bluford fire departments. Meanwhile, Woodlawn and McLeansboro crews stood by at the Jefferson Fire Station in case another emergency occurred.
The fire was first reported around 6:00 a.m. Thursday, and firefighters remained on scene until approximately 8:30 a.m.