Emergency crews responded to a house fire in Washington Wednesday afternoon.Shortly after 1 p.m. the fire was reported in a two-story white house at the intersection of North Marion Avenue and West 5th Street. As heard live on KCII from the scene, firefighters had to remove siding and use chainsaws to cut into the wall to get to the flames. Smoke and flames could be seen. Washington Fire Department, Washington Police Department and first responders were on site working to extinguish the flames.

According to authorities, the fire started in the wall of the building when a discarded cigarette went under the exterior wall of the home. The fire was limited to the exterior wall on the west side of the residence.

For photos of the scene visit KCII Radio’s Facebook page.