United States (Illinois) - An Edwardsville man is in critical condition after a house fire Thursday evening. Edwardsville firefighters responded to a fire call at 10:23 p.m. Thursday at 136 Trio Lane and found a home fully engulfed in flames. The fire had already burned through the roof the home, according to Edwardsville Fire Chief J. Brian Wilson Sr. The rear of the home was ablaze and firefighters entered the home through the front door.

Once inside, firefighters saw a television on and determined someone may still be inside the home. Capt. James Whiteford and firefighter Brett Milton immediately began searching the home for occupants, starting with a bedroom. A man, whose name has not been released, was found unconscious on the bedroom floor.

The victim was removed from the house by Whiteford, Milton and firefighter Jake Sweetman and transported to Anderson Hospital.

From Anderson Hospital, the man was airlifted to St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield where he remains in critical condition.

A firefighter was also taken to Anderson Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen, according to Wilson. Investigators believe the man was cooking and fell asleep. The fire gutted the kitchen and the attic of the home. The house also sustained significant water and smoke damage. Damage to the home is estimated to be about $75,000, according to Wilson, with damage to contents of the house to be about $5,000.

Written by Belleville News-Democrat