On Saturday, June 29, The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 900 Bateman Street. Upon arrival, the garage was found to be on fire with large quantities of fireworks exploding out of the garage. It was found that the resident was storing large quantities of illegal fireworks in the garage, which had power and natural gas running to the structure. The fireworks ignited unintentionally setting the garage on fire.
The Galesburg Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire even with fireworks shooting and exploding at them during the process. This event posed a significant danger to the first responders on the scene as well as to the residents in the area.
As a result of the investigation, the homeowner, Doug Miller, was cited for illegal possession of fireworks and given a court date.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***