DANVILLE, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Danville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 610 West Seminary Street at around 10:16 a.m. on Tuesday.
First-arriving fire companies found a two-story, multi-unit apartment building with a basement. A well-advanced fire was present in the basement at the time of arrival and spreading throughout the structure.
Responding members of the Danville Police Department reported to firefighters that nearby neighbors stated squatters had been occupying the residence. Firefighters from multiple crews advanced hand lines into multiple areas of the building while conducting a search of the structure. No victims were found.
One family from a nearby structure was temporarily evacuated until the fire was controlled. The structure was protected by firefighters. A warming bus was brought to the scene for those displaced due to the cold conditions.
Fire units were cleared at 9:21 p.m., according to the press release, and one minor injury was reported to a firefighter. The estimated cost of damages of the fire is $40,500, and the assisting agencies in the fire were: Ameren Illinois, Office of Illinois State Fire Marshal, Danville Mass Transit, Danville Police Department, AMT Ambulance and Danville Public Works.
The Danville FD is working with the Office of the State Fire Marshal to investigate the cause of the fire. Anyone with information about this fire is encouraged to contact Captain Ryan Allison at (217) 431-2350.