Smoking materials blamed for fire to historic Bloomington home

Posted on May 16, 2018
Bloomington Fire Department
A fire that heavily damaged an historic Bloomington home at 605 E. Front St. on April 30 was caused by smoking materials left unattended. (Eric Stock/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Fire investigators say unattended smoking materials caused the fire which heavily damaged an historic home near downtown Bloomington last month.

Bloomington Fire department spokesman Stuart Blade said the April 30 early afternoon fire at 605 E. Front St. started on a third-floor balcony.

“By being able to tell where the fire started they could tell that was the material and that lined up with some of the stories with some of the people who live in the house that was divided up into apartments,” Blade said.

Blade added there’s a big lesson to learn.

“Number one would be when it comes to smoking materials make sure it’s put out or at least step away from the residence (when smoking),” Blade said.

Residents who were there escaped unhurt. Eight residents lived in the three-story home. The damage estimated at $125,0000.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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