Fire early this morning has left a Trenton home with major damage, but still standing, at 408 Washington Street. A fire department spokesman said no was home when the fire occurred.

A 9-1-1 emergency call alerted authorities to the fire. According to a Trenton fire department report, the occupant was listed as Brian Ellis. The owner of the single story structure is George Chrisman of Walnut Shade (Missouri).

When firemen arrived, Firefighter Mike Moore said flames had engulfed the front porch and front room; then the ceiling of the front room eventually collapsed. Moore described damage as major to the front and substantial throughout the structure. He noted the furnishings and other belongings were destroyed. The cause of the blaze is undetermined. Although Moore indicated there
will be additional investigation during the daylight hours today in an effort to
determine the cause.

Again, the structure was gutted by fire. Moore said there was one minor injury. A “first responder” received some cuts from broken glass; was treated at the scene then taken to Wright Memorial Hospital to be checked further. Name of the first responder was not released. Assisting Trenton Firemen were the Grundy County Rural Fire District, Grundy County ambulance, Trenton Police, and Trenton Municipal Utilities. Moore said power lines were arcing upon arrival at the scene and T-M-U was called to respond to shut off electricity. Firefighters were on the scene over three hours before sunrise.