At 9:42 AM, Wednesday, August 12, the Macomb Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1530 E Wheeler. Fire Department personnel arrived on scene at 9:46 and observed smoke and flames coming from the structure. The on-duty crew located the fire in an upstairs bedroom. The fire was extinguished and a primary search was completed. The fire was deemed under control at 10:02 AM. Four on-duty firefighters and two chiefs
initially responded with nine off-duty firefighters called in to assist at the fire and provide coverage for any additional emergencies. Fire investigators processed the scene, and the scene was cleared at 11:41AM.
No firefighters or civilians were injured.
Smoke alarms were not present at the time of the fire. The home sustained fire, smoke, and water damage and has an estimated loss of $12,000. The cause of the fire was determined to be natural due to a lightning strike and remains under investigation.
Thank you to Macomb – McDonough County Communications Center, Macomb Illinois Police Department, City of Macomb Public Works, and Ameren IL for their assistance with the fire.
The Macomb Fire Department would like to remind all citizens of the importance of having working smoke alarms for early notification of a fire. We would also like to remind citizens that we will provide homeowners with free smoke alarms through our partnership with the Be Alarmed program. For more information, please visit https://cityofmacomb.com/fire-prevention-programs/ or call 309-836-7800.
***Courtesy of the Macomb Fire Department***
