On Saturday, July 5th at 9:41 AM, the Monmouth Fire Department responded to 1033 East 8th Avenue for a report of a structure fire with possible entrapment. The initial response included Ladder 40 and Engine 23. While enroute, Assistant Chief Cozadd upgraded the alarm to initiate the response of off-duty firefighters, Chief Rexroat, and an ambulance. Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Cozadd took command, reported moderate smoke from the residence, upgraded the alarm, and established the crews would be in rescue-mode. Assistant Chief Cozadd immediately ordered the advancement of a hoseline into the residence and a primary search for any victims. Crews forced entry through the front door of the residence and were faced with high heat and limited visibility. Firefighters quickly located one victim who was removed from the structure and transported by Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service to OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. Chief Rexroat arrived on scene with off-duty firefighters while crews completed a secondary search of the residence and extinguished the fire.
The Monmouth Fire Department was assisted by the Central Warren Fire Protection District, RSP&E Fire Protection District, Warren County 911 Dispatch, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service, Monmouth Police Department, and Ameren.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
***Courtesy of Monmouth Fire Chief Casey Rexroat***
