The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Baird Avenue on January 22, 2024, around 10:15 AM. The 13 personnel on duty from all three fire stations arrived at the fire to find smoke and fire at the rear of the residence. A primary and secondary search found no occupants inside the residence at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. An emergency callback of off-duty fire personnel was initiated to provide emergency coverage for the city. The house was determined to be a total loss, with preliminary damage estimates at $25,000.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Galesburg Fire Investigators, in cooperation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal.