The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at an apartment building in the 500 block of E. Columbia Ave., Monday, July 1 at 11:36 p.m. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire inside this eight unit apartment building.
Firefighters responded to the report from a passerby of a fire at this multi-family residence. Once on the scene, firefighters reported a growing fire and went inside to investigate. Crews deployed multiple hose lines and encountered a fast-moving attic fire. Firefighters transitioned to a defensive strategy and utilized the aerial ladder devices to quickly bring the fire under control.
The cause of this fire was accidental and was attributed to energized electrical equipment. There were no firefighter or occupant injuries reported. The occupants will be displaced as a result of this fire.
The Champaign Fire Department reminds everyone 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.