Fatal Clark County fire likely accidental

CHILI — The death of a 61-year-old Clark County man discovered following a garage fire in Chili does not appear suspicious, authorities say.

Robert J. Eckrich was pulled from the structure, which was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene about 5 p.m. Sunday, according to information from the Clark County Sheriff's office.

Attempts to revive Eckrich were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead on the scene, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were at the scene Monday, and the investigation is ongoing, said Captain James Hirsch of the Sheriff's Department.

"At this time nothing seems to be suspicious, and it looks like an accident," Hirsch said.

The fire at W912 North St. was contained to the garage, but there was significant smoke damage to the home, said Simon Fischer, chief of the Chili-Fremont Volunteer Fire Department.

Additional information about the death and the fire will be released after the fire marshal finishes the investigation, Fischer said.

The home is the former parsonage of the community's Immanuel United Methodist Church which had rented out the house, Fischer said.

Chili Area Fire and Ambulance Service along with the town of Lincoln Fire Department, Granton Area Fire Department and Spencer Fire Department responded to the fire.

Reporter Liz Welter can be reached at 715-384-3131. Find her on Twitter as@welter_liz.