One dead in overnight house fire in Fairview Heights
French Village Fire Department responded to a house fire on the 9100 block of Bunkum Road in Fairview Heights during the early-morning hours Friday.
During a search of the home, firefighters found a 62-year old man dead inside the home.
The victim was identified as Brian T. Mell by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Mel was pronounced at the scene at 3:22 a.m., Dye said.
By the time firefighters responded to the fire at 2:37 a.m. heavy smoke was billowing from the roof, with flames extending from one side of the building.
J.C. Fultz, public information officer for the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, confirmed the agency is investigating the fire. “It’s an open investigation and that’s all I can say,” Fultz said. Asked about a tie frame for the cause and origin of the fir, Fultz said he could not say.
Fairview Heights Police are also investigating the cause of the fire.
This is a breaking news story. More information will be reported as it becomes available.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 8:52 AM.
