Winter heating problems: Morning furnace fire in Dowell spreads to room

The Dowell Fire Department Wednesday morning received mutual aid from the Du Quoin, Elkville and Christopher fire departments after a 10:30 a.m. call to the Joyce Jaroski home at 203 Lincoln Street in Dowell. Firemen say they found Mrs. Jaroski standing on the back porch waiting for firefighters. She moved her car from the driveway to a spot in the south yard as firemen entered the house. Du Quoin Fire Chief Bob Shaw and local firefighters worked alongside Dowell Fire Chief David Hock and his staff to quickly contain the blaze. Firefighters believe the blaze began in or around a gas furnace, then spread to a nearby room. Firefighters remained at the scene for almost two hours to make sure that the fire did not climb to the attic. Smoke, fire and water damage to the residence was listed as minor to moderate.