BLOOMINGTON - An electrical problem between the basement ceiling and first floor caused a fire that spread through the third floor of a fraternity house early Sunday south of Illinois Wesleyan University, fire officials said.

The fire was reported about 2:40 a.m. at Phi Mu Alpha, 303 E. Chestnut St. A statement from the Bloomington Fire Department said the blaze started from an undetermined electrical failure in a joist space, and it spread up through the music fraternity's house.

The damage from the fire and smoke is estimated at $90,000, the department said.

Darcy Greder, associate dean of students at IWU, said the university provided housing, pillows, blankets, linens, towels and food to the displaced students. Fifteen students lived in the residence, Greder said.

Fraternity members can request help if they need textbooks or supplies for classes, but there have been no requests so far, she said.

IWU is making health and counseling services available, she said.

Greder said chapter members hope to return to the house in the next several months, but that may be too optimistic, she said.

"They're certainly dealing with the loss they have with that house as a fraternity and a community," Greder said. "There's a deep association with that building."

At least two bedrooms were severely damaged by fire and the back third of the building was significantly damaged. Firefighters broke doors to get into other rooms; smoke damaged the contents of much of the house, she said.

Assessor's records indicate the brick façade and wood-frame house was built in 1897.

Greder said the university will try to make meeting rooms available for the chapter. She said IWU has received an incredible outpouring of support from students, faculty and alumni.

Thursday's fires

Meanwhile, it was determined a fire that badly damaged a west-side home started when a damaged stove's pilot light ignited cardboard boxes on top of the stove, fire investigators said.

The fire at 707 W. Mulberry St. started after a washing machine was pushed against a stove, damaging the controls, the Bloomington Fire Department said.

Bloomington Fire Capt. Eric Vaughn said two injured firefighters have returned to duty. One was treated at the scene after slipping on ice, and one was taken to a local hospital after losing his footing and falling about eight feet down stairs inside the home, he said.

January Smith, spokeswoman for the Office of the State Fire Marshal, did not have information on a rural fire earlier that day near Beason, east of Lincoln. She said the investigator was unavailable Monday because he was at the scene of a fatal Cook County fire.