Firefighters from Cahokia and Camp Jackson fire departments put out a home fire on Julie Avenue early Wednesday morning.
Cahokia Fire Chief Stephen Robbins said the homeowner, believed to be an elderly resident, was not home at the time of the fire. The incident was reported at around 7:15 a.m. in the 1200 block of Julie Avenue.
“Crews arrived on scene and found heavy smoke coming from the structure,” Robbins said. “Neighbors said there was an elderly lady who lives here, but she’s not home.” The fire chief said firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof of the house to let out the smoke so firefighters were unable to get farther into the house. Several items blocked the inside of the home, he said.