Fire crews in Galesburg rushed to 828 E. Berrien Street shortly before 11 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after reports of a structure fire with individuals possibly trapped inside. Arriving firefighters were met with thick smoke and visible flames engulfing a two-story home. With hazardous conditions and nearly zero visibility, Central Station’s crew entered the building without the immediate protection of a hose line. Battalion Chief Dewey Brackett led the operation, with all three city stations and 13 personnel responding.
A section of the structure partially collapsed on two firefighters while attempting to rescue a trapped resident. One firefighter was treated at the scene, while the resident was transported to OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Despite emergency efforts, the pet dog could not be revived. Later, firefighters discovered a second victim, who unfortunately did not survive. When the building’s structural integrity became compromised, emergency teams shifted to a defensive operation, deploying multiple hose lines and an aerial ladder to contain the blaze and shield neighboring homes.
The Galesburg Police and Street Departments blocked nearby roads, limiting access for safety, while Ameren crews shut off utility lines at the scene. Investigators from the Fire and Police Departments, along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, are sifting through evidence to determine the cause of the blaze. Due to severe damage, authorities are urgently seeking a court order for emergency demolition of the building, aiming to preserve public safety and protect neighboring properties from potential hazards.