WATSEKA, IL – A 54-year-old man lost his life in a devastating electrical fire at 335 W. North Street in Watseka Saturday.
According to investigators, the victim was identified as Kevin Kaufman by Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum, who was reportedly staying in the garage of the residence with a couple at the time. The couple managed to escape unharmed, but Kaufman succumbed to the flames.
Watseka Fire reports the fire seemed to have an electrical origin, highlighting the urgent need for smoke detectors. Regrettably, there were no working smoke detectors on the property. The State Fire Marshall is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
The fire primarily impacted the attached garage where Kaufman was residing, resulting in $40,000 worth of damage.
