MOUNT VERNON — An early morning fire on South 18th Street in Mt. Vernon is under investigation after it was deemed suspicious.
According to Mt. Vernon Fire Chief Kevin Sargent, the fire call came in just before 6 a.m. Tuesday. While the homeowner was not at home at the time of the blaze, a small dog was rescued from the fire by a Mt. Vernon police officer who was the first on the scene.
Sargent says the Mt. Vernon Police Department, Mt. Vernon Fire Department, and Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the blaze.
The Mt. Vernon police officer suffered a minor hand injury while rescuing the dog and was treated at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital before being released.
Sargent says damage to the home was extensive and it will be considered a total loss.