Galesburg firefighters responded to a structure fire on E. North St. at around 4:49 this Monday morning.
According to Fire Chief Randy Hovind, 11 personnel on duty responded to 120 East North to the fire that quickly engulfed the entire home with heavy fire and extreme heat, driving firefighters back.
Because of the intensity of the heat, the fire extended to structures on the East, West, and South sides of the home.
The fire department initiated an emergency callback with a mutual aid request to the Knoxville Fire Department. 20 Galesburg and six Knoxville firefighters were on the scene.
During the response, there was a water main break near the railroad crossing on North Broad Street. The water department took immediate action to minimize any disruptions to water services.
The fire has now been extinguished.
The home at 120 E. North St. collapsed and is a total loss. A metal framed structure at 245 N. Cherry St. is considered a total loss as well.
The fire also destroyed multiple vehicles that were nearby along with an RV.
One Galesburg Firefighter was transported by a Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Unit to OSF St. Mary’s Hospital with burns to his hand and face. They were treated and released. No other injuries are reported.
The fire is still under investigation by Galesburg Fire Investigators.
