In Galesburg last night, a devastating fire engulfed a home on 714 Mulberry Street, prompting a swift response from all three local fire stations around 11 PM on December 12, 2024. Firefighters bravely rescued a dog trapped inside, while the three residents had already evacuated. The three residents who self-evacuated were transported by GHAS to OSF St. Mary’s Hospital for medical evaluation due to smoke inhalation. Initially attempting an interior attack, firefighters were forced to withdraw due to escalating heat and rampant flames, prioritizing the safety of their teams. The strategy swiftly shifted to a defensive approach, focusing on shielding neighboring homes from the fire’s reach while fighting the flames from the outside. Firefighters worked tirelessly into the late morning, targeting and extinguishing persistent pockets of fire to prevent any further damage.
Unfortunately, the residence, valued at approximately $40,000, was declared a total loss. Authorities have determined the cause of the fire to be unintentional.