CEDARVILLE — A house fire last week left one person dead and another missing just outside of Cedarville.

On January 15, at approximately 9:51 a.m., personnel from the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported residential structure fire on Scheider Road, west of the Village of Cedarville. The initial caller reported flames visible from the residence.

The Cedarville Fire Department, Leamon’s Ambulance, and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene.

Shortly after dispatch, the fire was reported to be fully involved, and it was believed that occupants may still have been inside the residence. Cedarville Fire Department subsequently requested a MABAS response.

Upon arrival, first-responding units found the structure fully involved, with fire conditions determined to be unsurvivable. Rescue efforts were not possible due to the extent of the fire. Fire suppression operations were conducted, and the fire was brought under control. The MABAS response was canceled at approximately 10:34 a.m.

One deceased individual was recovered from the residence, and one additional occupant was unaccounted for at the scene. According to the sheriff’s department, the identities of those involved are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The incident remains under investigation by the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Assisting agencies included the Dakota, Freeport City, Freeport Rural, Lena, Orangeville, Pearl City, and Rock City Fire Departments; Leamon’s Ambulance; the Stephenson County Coroner’s Office; the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit; and the Buckeye Township Highway Department.