A homeowner is in serious condition in a Springfield Hospital after a fire in Taylorville on Thursday afternoon. Taylorville Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1428 South Houston Street on Thursday afternoon around 4:29 PM. When crews arrived, smoke was pouring out of the back of the house and the occupant was laying in the back yard. 1 Fireman rendered aid while other members attacked the fire. 

Dunn's Ambulance arrived and took over the care of the occupant before transporting them to Springfield. The fire was put under control and crews looked for additional occupants. Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann says the fire was under control within 25 minutes of fire fighters getting there. The homeowner was the only person in the house at the time of the fire.

Chief Adermann says that the victim is in the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation.  He credits two township workers who were in the area checking the roads who noticed the fire and rushed to the door and were able to pull the occupant to safety.  Without their efforts, Chief Adermann says the resident's injuries would have been much worse. 

The fire is under investigation.  Chief Adermann thanked the Christian County Sheriff's Office, Dunn's Ambulance, Stonington and Owaneco Fire Departments, Christian County 9-1-1, Ameren and the City of Taylorville Water Department.