ALTON – Alton Fire Department was busy overnight with two structure fires. They responded to the second fire in the 100 block of Holly Hill Dr for a gas leak and structure fire around 7:30 a.m. Monday morning.
When firefighters arrived on scene they were met with heavy fire and smoke coming from the house. Firefighters quickly got the fire under control. Due to the gas leak at the residence Alton Fire Department requested Ameren Gas to the scene.
Ameren Gas arrived on scene and had to dig a hole to shut the gas off.
Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison said the homeowner said she heard a loud whoosh noise then her bedroom door slammed shut then the smoke and fire was seen as her and the other occupants escaped.” Jemison said that the whoosh noise and the door slamming is from the ignition source meeting with the gas.
Due to the large fire a box-alarm was requested. Firefighters from East Alton and Godfrey were on scene of the fire.
No injuries were reported, and fire officials will be investigating.
Firefighters were called back to the first fire a few hours later for flames coming from the roof. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control. The Illinois Fire Marshals were called to investigate that fire.
