UPDATED 3:55 p.m.
A fire early Friday morning in Galesburg caused two fatalities, according to Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind.
According to a news release from the Galesburg Fire Department, fire personnel responded to a structure fire at 559 N. Cherry St. at 3:30 a.m. Friday. The response included all three stations and the 11 personnel on duty.
Upon arrival, personnel encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear, second-story windows of the two-story residence. Firefighters located and removed two victims from within the structure.
The two victims removed by fire crews — John E. Stipp, 50, and Kaiirree J. Hippen, 6, — were pronounced dead at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Additional fire crews used multiple attack hose lines to extinguish the fire from the interior and exterior of the residence. A family dog was also rescued.
Eight occupants had evacuated the residence at the time of the fire department’s arrival. The occupants were evaluated by Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service personnel and were transported to OSF St. Mary’s for evaluation.
The Red Cross has been contacted and is providing additional assistance to the displaced occupants.
Hovid said fire damage was contained to the second floor and attic of the residence. Preliminary damage is estimated at $30,000.
The fire remains under investigation by Galesburg Fire Investigators, Illinois State Police, Galesburg Police Investigators, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The family was said to have children at Galesburg Christian School, which is now seeking donations of various items the family might need. Their social media post is below.
