Illinois employees rescue woman from house fire

MURPHYSBORO - Four Illinois Department of Human Services employees have rescued a woman from a house fire in Murphysboro.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports the state workers responded to the blaze across the street from their offices Thursday.

Caseworker Judy Bost says a young girl was yelling that her mom was still in the house. She says the mother was sprawled on the floor near the front of the house, which was filled with smoke.

Three of Bost's colleagues helped carry the woman away from the house. They heard sirens as they reached the sidewalk.

Murphysboro Fire Chief Steve Swafford says two trucks responded. No one was seriously hurt. The woman was treated for smoke inhalation.

Swafford says the house is ruined. He says the cause is undetermined but the fire marshal has ruled out arson.