The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 356 N. Whitesboro Street on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 4:28 PM. The response included all three stations and the 11 personnel on duty. Upon arrival, personnel encountered heavy smoke coming from a basement window and an open doorway. Battalion Chief Brackett established command and the Brooks Street Station crew used an attack line to make a quick attack from the exterior before making entry to extinguish the fire. The Central Station Crew arrived on the scene and performed a search of the residence while the Fremont Station Crew performed ventilation to improve interior smoke conditions.
A passerby was able to rescue two dogs from the residence prior to the Fire Department’s arrival. There were no occupants inside the residence at the time of the fire. The fire caused smoke and fire damage to the basement, and the interior of the home sustained heavy smoke and water damage throughout. No injuries were reported. Preliminary damage estimates are at $10,000.
An emergency callback of off-duty fire personnel was initiated to provide emergency coverage for the City. Galesburg Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be unintentional.
The Galesburg Fire Department also responded to a vehicle fire near a residence at 909 N. Kellogg Street on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 8:22 AM. The response included personnel from Central Fire Station and Fremont Fire Station and the eight personnel on duty. Upon arrival, personnel encountered a vehicle with fire coming from the rear driver’s side and the passenger compartment. The Fremont Station crew utilized an attack line to extinguish the fire, and the Central Station crew established a water supply.
The vehicle was determined to be a total loss. There was no damage to the residence and no injuries were reported. Preliminary damage estimates are at $13,000. The vehicle fire was determined to be intentionally set and is under investigation by Galesburg Fire and Police Investigators.
***Courtesy of the Galesburg Fire Department***
