Fire destroyed the David and Mindy Holste home near Dieterich Thursday.
Dieterich Fire Chief Mark Webb said the fire was reported at 9:12am. The house was located on 200th Avenue, eight miles south and one mile west of Dieterich.

Webb said the two-story farmhouse had smoke coming from the eaves when firefighters reached the scene. He said a passerby notified David Holste, who was working in an outbuilding on the farm, that the house was on fire.

Webb said firefighters tried twice to enter the home, but said the heat was too intense and they were driven back. He said the house and all its contents were lost in the blaze. No one was injured, though.

A "full still" was called, involving all of the fire departments in the MABAS service region in this area. Webb said Dieterich firefighters were joined by fire companies from Effingham, Crooked Creek, Watson, Montrose, Teutopolis, North Clay, and Wade Fire Protection District. Companies from Shumway and Sigel staffed the Dieterich firehouse during the call, and the American Red Cross and the Effingham City-County Ambulance Service were on scene.

Webb said he called the State Fire Marshal`s Office to investigate to determine the cause of the fire, but said the damage was too extensive to make a firm decision. He said the fire was likely caused by electrical problems.

Dieterich firefighters finally cleared the scene shortly after 4pm.