A Friday afternoon house fire destroyed a 2-story structure and left a family of four homeless.

The state Fire Marshall is investigating what appeared to be “a basement dryer fire” in the 200-block of N. Fifth Street, just two lots north of the Watseka Fire Station. Several area fire departments answered a box-alarm just before 2:45 pm.

Homeowner Jeff Miller’s family of four was all accounted for. No injury was reported. The Red Cross was contacted for assistance.

At least eight fire departments were at the scene; others were on standby, along with IMH Ambulance personnel.

Heavy, thick smoke accompanied the flames that poured from the house. Firemen battled the fire from an aerial truck and on the ground.

94.1 WGFA