At 5:49 PM, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, the Macomb Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 602 W. Woodbury St for a report of a porch on fire. Fire Department personnel arrived on scene at 5:51 PM and observed smoke and flames coming from the porch and interior of the home. The on-duty crew began extinguishing the exterior fire. The crew then made entry to extinguish the interior fire. The fire had extended into the attic and interior crews began pulling the ceiling to gain access. The roof was ventilated, and the interior crew extinguished the attic fire. The fire was brought under control at 7:15 PM.
Owners reported that 3 canines were missing and it was unknown if they were inside. Search crews located and rescued 1 canine; sadly, two other canines were found deceased. Five firefighters initially responded with two engines.
Two fire chiefs and five off-duty firefighters were called in to assist at the fire and provide coverage for any additional emergencies.
Emmet-Chalmers FPD also assisted with city coverage. Fire investigators processed the scene, and the scene was cleared at 9:34 PM.
No firefighters or civilians were injured.
The home sustained fire, smoke, and water damage throughout and has an estimated loss of $56,000. Portions of the neighboring home were also damaged by the fire.
Smoke detectors were sounding at the time of arrival.
The cause of the fire was determined to be space heater that was plugged into an extension cord and is still under investigation at the time of this release.
Thank you to Macomb - McDonough County Communications Center, Macomb Illinois Police Department, Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Illinois, Emmet-Chalmers FPD, and Ameren IL for their assistance with the fire.
