Firefighters try to salvage items from a house fire on Payne Place in Normal. (photo by Zach Dietmeier/WJBC)

By Zach Dietmeier

NORMAL - Fire officials said Thursday a house fire in Normal caused about $85,000 in damage.

The home at 19 Payne Place saw heavy fire and smoke damage beginning shortly after 9 a.m. Firefighters had the fire under control in about 25 minutes but stayed on site for another hour to look for remaining hot spots. No one was home at the time.

Normal Information Officer Matt Swaney said the blaze was believed to have started in the rear of the house and spread throughout the structure.

Swaney said the department is working to find shelter for the family .

Zach Dietmeier can be reached at zach.dietmeier@cumulus.com.