DANVILLE, Ill. (Chambana Today) — On Thursday, the Danville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a two-story single family residence, located at 520 Bryan Avenue in Danville.
When the first engine arrived on scene, smoke with fire showing was reported, and crews immediately initiated fire attack operations and began rescue efforts after locating victim on the front porch roof.
An attack line for fire suppression was pulled from Engine 1, while a ladder was thrown to the front porch roof to assist the victim, who had exited an upstairs window due to heavy smoke conditions. The victim was safely assisted down the ladder by the driver of the engine, firefighter Nathan Michael.
The incident commander, upon arrival, observed active fire conditions with fire venting from a bedroom and heavy brown and black smoke pushing from attic vents and a window above the front porch. A second alarm and an additional ambulance were requested due to the conditions and number of occupants involved.
Firefighters discovered that the electrical service line had burned through, leaving a live wire in the backyard. Ameren Gas and Electric were requested to respond and later secured utilities to the residence.
During the search, Engine 2 located and rescued a cat from inside the residence. Arrow Ambulance personnel provided oxygen to the rescued cat and evaluated two occupants, both of whom refused medical attention.
The department reports that six residents were present at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.
According to interviews conducted with all occupants, the fire was first discovered in a bedroom, prompting evacuation efforts. Five occupants exited through the front door, and one occupant exited through an upstairs window onto the porch roof due to heavy smoke conditions. All occupants escaped the structure, and no civilian injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire, which has had its damages estimated to $35,000, is still being investigated.