The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating an early morning fire in rural Orion that injured two people. Around 3 AM on August 30, 2023, a witness reported a fire at a residence in rural Orion to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. According to scanner traffic, the caller reported hearing possible gunshots and screaming. Officials later learned there was ammunition in the residence that was going off from the fire. Two people reportedly jumped from a second-story window to escape the fire and suffered injuries. RegionalMediaNews has reached out to the Orion Community Fire Protection District for more information. Arson Division Director, Jeff Pride, said the State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate the cause and origin of a fire in Rural Orion that involved two persons being injured. He said the investigation is open and under investigation and he can’t release any additional details at this time.
