Springfield fire investigators are looking into a blaze that destroyed an east-side home and damaged a neighboring house in the 1900 block of South Taylort early Sunday morning.
Springfield Fire Chief Ken Fustin says the department routinely investigates fires in vacant buildings.
“It appeared to be occupied by squatters. Our battalion chief on the scene noted that someone appeared to be living in it without the knowledge of the owner” according to Fustin.
No one was injured. Damage to the house next door included melted siding but occupants were able to return to their home later Sunday.