DANVILLE — Nathan Michael, driver of Engine 1 for the Danville Fire Department, successfully aided the evacuation of an individual from a fire Christmas Day at 520 Bryan Avenue in Danville.
In an official release from the Fire Department, crews responded around 1:45 p.m. to a reported structure fire at a two-story, single-family residence. Engine 1 was first on scene and reported a two-story house with smoke and fire showing. Crews initiated fire attack operations while also beginning rescue efforts after locating a victim on the front porch roof, who had exited an upstairs window because of heavy smoke conditions. A ladder was thrown to the front porch roof and Firefighter Michael safely assisted them down to the ground.
Upon arrival, the incident commander observed active fire conditions, with fire venting from a bedroom and heavy brown and black smoke pushing from attic vents and a window above the front porch. A second alarm and an additional ambulance were requested.
Firefighters discovered that the electrical service line had burned through, leaving a live wire in the backyard. Ameren Gas and Electric were requested to respond and later secured utilities to the residence.
During the primary search, Engine 2 located and rescued a cat from inside the residence. Arrow Ambulance personnel provided oxygen to the rescued cat and evaluated two occupants, both of whom refused medical attention.
Six residents were present at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested and assisted the displaced occupants.
According to interviews conducted with all occupants, the fire was first discovered in a bedroom, prompting evacuation efforts. Five occupants exited through the front door, and one occupant exited through an upstairs window onto the porch roof due to heavy smoke conditions. All occupants escaped the structure, and no civilian injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Danville Fire Department.
The Danville Fire Department commends the coordinated efforts of all responding crews for their rapid actions, effective rescue, and strong fireground performance under challenging conditions.
The Danville Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Danville Police Department, Arrow Ambulance, and Ameren Illinois.
A pair of firefighters reported minor injuries at the scene and were also treated and released.