The following is a joint media release from the City of Zeigler Fire Department, City of Zeigler Police Department and Franklin County Coroner's Office:

(ZEIGLER-ILLINOIS) The City of Zeigler Fire Department was alarmed for a residential structure fire at 611 Vaux Street in Zeigler just after noon Monday. 911 callers reported the home was fully engulfed with persons still trapped inside and at least one person was outside of the residence in need of medical attention. A Box Alarm response was immediately initiated bringing several area Fire Departments to the scene for mutual aid. Upon arrival at the scene of the incident the first arriving engine company reported extreme fire conditions present with the home being fully involved as reported. First arriving police officers from the Zeigler & Christopher Police Departments and firefighters all attempted to enter the structure to rescue any victims but were unable to do so. A defensive fire attack was required to bring the fire under control.

One female patient was located outside of the residence and was treated by Abbott EMS Paramedics until she was airlifted from the scene to a burn center. Franklin County Coroner Marty Leffler has confirmed a total of three victims have perished in the fire. One adult and two children. At this time, the names of deceased are being withheld until identification can be confirmed and autopsies are pending. One firefighter was injured at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The firefighter has been treated and released.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the City of Zeigler Police & Fire Departments, Franklin County Coroner's Office, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators.

At this time, no further information will be released due to the ongoing investigation.