Kankakee, IL – Firefighters in Kankakee battled two separate structure fires Sunday night within a three-hour span, according to Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche. One resident was hospitalized with severe burns after the first blaze on South Fraser Avenue.
According to LaRoche, the initial fire occurred in the 200 block of South Fraser Avenue, where crews found heavy smoke and flames upon arrival. A resident was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of severe burn injuries.
Roughly three hours later, firefighters were called to a second fire in the 300 block of West Merchant Street. That blaze spread to the home’s second floor and attic before it was contained. No additional injuries were reported.
Multiple departments from Kankakee and Will counties assisted in extinguishing both fires. Crews remained on scene late into the night to ensure hotspots were under control. The causes of both fires remain under investigation.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods reported seeing smoke across several blocks as emergency vehicles responded. Authorities are reminding residents to check smoke detectors and have emergency plans in place.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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