A fire broke out in a garage at 825 Orchard Drive Wednesday evening, causing significant damage but no injuries.
The Macomb Fire Department was dispatched at 5:39 p.m. and arrived seven minutes later to find smoke coming from the garage and eaves of the house. Firefighters entered the garage and found a couch fully engulfed in flames. They quickly extinguished the fire and began ventilating the area while checking for fire spread.
Investigators determined the fire had extended into the garage’s eaves. The blaze was declared under control by 6 p.m. Five firefighters initially responded with an engine and ladder truck. Additional personnel, including two fire chiefs and five off-duty firefighters, were called in to assist and cover other emergencies. Fire investigators cleared the scene at 7:19 p.m.
No firefighters or residents were injured in the incident.
The garage suffered fire, smoke, and water damage, with losses estimated at $52,000. The home sustained smoke damage throughout.
Officials said the fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. No working smoke alarms were found at the scene.
The Macomb Fire Department thanked the Macomb-McDonough County Communications Center, Macomb Police Department, Western Illinois University Police Department, Lifeguard Ambulance Service, and Ameren Illinois for their assistance.
Fire officials remind residents of the critical importance of working smoke alarms for early fire detection. Through the Be Alarmed program, the department offers free smoke alarms to homeowners. For more information, visit cityofmacomb.com/fire-prevention-programs or call 309-836-7800.
