The Champaign Fire Department responded to a working fire at 908 S Oak Street, on Friday, January 22, 2016, at 3:47 a.m. Upon arriving on the scene, fire crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the 1st floor of a 2-story house. Firefighters received reports that people could possibly be inside the burning structure. Search and rescue and suppression efforts began immediately. A second alarm was also issued immediately, which dispatched additional equipment and manpower to the scene.
Sixteen (16) pieces of Fire/Rescue/EMS equipment and approximately thirty-seven (37) emergency response personnel responded to the call, including the Champaign Fire Department, Urbana Fire Department, and Arrow Ambulance. Captain Dorval Norwood was the commanding officer of this incident. The fire was brought under control at 4:08 a.m., search and rescue efforts were completed by 4:12 a.m., and the last fire crew cleared the scene at 6:42 a.m. There were no reported firefighter injuries.
The Champaign Police Department aided with traffic control and MTD provided a bus to temporarily shelter displaced residents. The Emergency Services Support Team and Canteen One were also on scene to provide aid to the residents affected by the fire. Fourteen (14) residents reside in the house and eleven (11) were reportedly present at the time of the fire.
The origin and cause of the fire is currently under investigation. A total damage estimate has not yet been determined.
Smoke detectors save lives. The Champaign Fire Department reminds all residents to always maintain working smoke alarms in their place of residence and to regularly practice a home escape plan.
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Contact: Randy Smith, 217.403-7212 | 217.840.9434