MACOMB, IL – The Macomb Fire Department responded to a call of a reported fire in a trash chute at Thompson Hall on the Western Illinois University campus late Wednesday evening.
According to a report issued by Macomb Fire Chief Dan Meyer, a call was made to bring in all off-duty Macomb firefighters after the initial crew arrived on scene, along in addition to bringing in assistance from the Emmet-Chalmers Fire Department.
Crews made their way to the basement and extinguished the fire inside the trash chute. The fire was deemed under control after an hour. Crews then began ventilating the light smoke that had spread throughout the building and continued assisting any remaining students with evacuation. Students were temporarily relocated to Western Hall while WIU staff began cleanup efforts.
The scene was cleared at 12:17 a.m. Estimated loss at this time is approximately $3000.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Macomb Fire Department and WIU OPS.
