The Champaign Fire Department responded to a working fire at 611 S. State Street, Saturday, December 17, 2016, at 8:52 p.m. Upon arrival on the scene, fire crews reported smoke coming from the apartment building. Suppression efforts began immediately.
Fifteen (15) pieces of Fire/Rescue/EMS equipment and approximately thirty-five (35) emergency response personnel responded to this two-alarm fire from Champaign Fire, Urbana Fire Rescue, and Arrow Ambulance. Occupants of a second floor apartment discovered the fire in a bathroom. Fire crews entered the apartment building, and worked to extinguish this fire. The fire was brought under control at 10:28 p.m. Ten occupants were displaced as a result of this fire. The Emergency Services Support Team was called to assist in finding the displaced occupants a place to stay. Both MTD and Arrow Ambulance provided vehicles to shelter occupants and provide firefighter rehab during the fire. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported. The total damage estimate is $175,000 structure and $25,000 contents. Investigators continue to work at the scene to determine the cause.
The Champaign Fire Department reminds all citizens to maintain a working smoke alarm in their place of residence and to have and practice a home escape plan. Smoke alarms can provide early notification when seconds count.