Scheller man dies in Jefferson County house fire

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A 65-year-old rural Scheller man died Sunday afternoon in a house fire in Jefferson County, according to the Waltonville Fire Department.

Firefighters were called to a home at 3606 N. Lodge Lane around 5:02 p.m. after receiving a report that someone was trapped inside.

Thomas L. Restoff, 65, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

A preliminary investigation indicates the homeowner and Restoff were cooking chicken in a turkey fryer on an attached porch when hot grease splashed from the fryer and ignited nearby materials, according to the fire department.

Firewood was stacked near the cooking area, and black smoke entered the home as the fire spread.

The homeowner, who is in his 80s, escaped the home and believed Restoff was following him outside. Firefighters later found Restoff inside the home.

Multiple departments responded or provided assistance, including Waltonville, Woodlawn, Jefferson Fire, Sesser, Mount Vernon, Ashley, Webber, Centralia District, Sandoval, Valier, McLeansboro, Wayne City, Kell and Buckner.

Jefferson County Emergency Management also assisted, and Coello provided station coverage.

Crews cleared the scene around 8:57 p.m.