Streator, IL – A firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling an early morning blaze at the New Beginnings Baptist Church hall. The fire was reported at 1:39 a.m. by a passerby who noticed flames and smoke coming from the building.
Streator Fire Department crews arrived at 1:41 a.m. and found heavy smoke pouring from the roof and front door of the single-story hall, which houses a food pantry. Firefighters attacked the flames with two 1 3/4-inch hoses while others cut a hole in the roof to vent smoke and heat.
Nine departments, including those from Reading and Ottawa, responded to the General Alarm. The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes, but firefighters remained on scene for over three hours.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury during the operation but did not require treatment. The church hall sustained significant damage, especially to the kitchen and pantry areas.
An investigation is underway with assistance from the Illinois State Fire Marshal and ATF. The Streator Fire Department thanked neighboring units and local agencies for their assistance in the response.
