CHAMPAIGN – A shed fire at a south Champaign home has made the house temporarily uninhabitable since the power to the house had to be shut off.

Champaign Fire Department spokeswoman Dena Schumacher said firefighters were summoned to the home at 805 Richards Lane about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, the found the shed behind the home fully engulfed in flames and the occupant of the house, Joni Ferguson, outside.

Schumacher said Ferguson had placed a charcoal warming chimney inside the shed after having grilled an evening meal. Investigators determined that's what sparked the fire.

The fire spread to electrical lines that were coming off the shed to the house, energizing the house. That meant electricity to the home had to be shut off. Ferguson will not be able to return until electrical inspectors sign off on the house's safety.

The fire was put out about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, and firefighters remained there until about 1:45 a.m.

Schumacher said damage to the shed was estimated at $5,000. Heat from the fire broke a window on an adjacent home at 1810 Shadowlawn Drive, she said. The fire also damaged a fence and utility pole.

The property is owned by Jamie and Yolanda Fairbanks of Champaign.

Schumacher said Ferguson thought the cylinder used to heat the coals was cool.

"You have to let that stuff sit out overnight," Schumacher reminded. "You get the conditions right and one little spark can fan a fire."