At 6:45 AM, Thursday, March 7th, the Macomb Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 608 E. Calhoun St for a report of a fire in a backyard shed.
First arriving units arrived on scene at 6:50 A.M. and observed smoke and flames out of a garage door on a barn-style building near the alley. The on-duty crew began extinguishing the fire and brought it under control at 7:00 AM. The fire was contained to the building. Six firefighters responded with two engines, while the next day’s crew arrived to work for their scheduled shifts to cover any additional alarms. Fire investigators processed the scene and cleared at 8:06 AM.
No firefighters or civilians were injured. There were 3 dogs kenneled in the building which were rescued by the caller and homeowner. The structure sustained fire, smoke, and water damage throughout and has an estimated loss of $8,000.
The fire cause is unintentional caused by overheated extension cords powering multiple space heaters. The Macomb Fire Department advises residents to not use extension cords for heavy electrical loads such as space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.
Thank you Macomb – McDonough County Communications, Macomb Illinois Police Department, Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Illinois for their assistance with the fire.
