The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1277 N Henderson Street, November 12, 2023, at 9:09 AM. The response included all three stations and the 11 personnel on duty. Upon arrival, Fremont Street fire personnel encountered smoke coming from the rear of the business. Battalion Chief Brackett established command, and the Fremont Street Station crew took a handline to the rear of the structure to attack the fire. Upon arrival, the Central Station crew established water supply by connecting to the nearest hydrant and made entry to the front of the structure with a handline. The Brooks Street Station crew linked up with the Central crew inside to pull ceilings and extinguish the fire. After crews made entry to the structure, Battalion Chief Brackett noticed fire through the roof, combined with structural integrity issues of the exterior walls, and ordered an evacuation of fire personnel from the building. All firefighters backed out of the structure and were accounted for. Central Station’s crew elevated the tower ladder of Ladder 51 and attacked the fire from above while other fire crews managed handlines to prevent the spread of fire to exposed buildings.
The fire caused extensive fire damage to the roof of the building. No injuries were reported. Preliminary damage estimates are at $71,000.
An emergency callback of off-duty fire personnel was initiated to provide emergency coverage for the City. Galesburg Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire which is currently undetermined.
***Courtesy of the Galesburg Fire Department***
