On Tuesday April 23rd at 4:44 PM, the Monmouth Fire Department was dispatched to a structure
fire at 600 West 10th Avenue in Monmouth. Engine 23, Ladder 40, and Unit 505 responded to the
scene within 4 minutes and found a large shed heavily involved with fire. Assistant Chief Cozadd
requested a “Working Still” calling off-duty firefighters and Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service
to the scene. Due to the size of the fire and the proximity to other nearby structures, the alarm
was quickly upgraded to the “Box Level” bringing the Central Warren Fire Protection District and
the RSP&E Fire Protection District to the scene. Chief Rexroat established command and crews
took defensive positions using attack lines to knock down the fire while water supply was being
established. After connecting to a hydrant for additional water, the fire was brought under
control.
Windy conditions caused smoke and embers to blow through the adjacent neighborhood creating
possible exposures. A small fire started along the eave of one house and was controlled by some
helpful neighbors until firefighters arrived on Engine 21 to fully extinguish it.
There were no injuries reported at the incident. Additional assistance was provided by the
Monmouth Police Department and Ameren Illinois. The cause of the fire is currently under
investigation by Monmouth Fire Department Investigators.
***Courtesy of Monmouth Fire Chief Casey Rexroat***
