Wilmington, IL – Firefighters responded early Friday morning to a chimney fire at 420 Van Buren St. that prompted the homeowner to evacuate.
The Wilmington Fire District was dispatched at 6:35 a.m. after the homeowner noticed an unusual volume of flames in the fireplace. Crews arrived to find embers escaping the chimney of the two-story residence. The homeowner safely evacuated before firefighters accessed the fire through the fireplace and chimney.
According to the Wilmington Fire District, water was used from the department’s ladder truck to extinguish the flames. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the residents were not displaced. The Elwood Fire Protection District assisted by covering Wilmington’s station during the incident.
Despite recent chimney maintenance, creosote buildup was believed to have caused the fire. The Wilmington Fire District urges all residents to schedule routine inspections and cleanings for chimneys and fireplaces to prevent future incidents.
Residents with fireplaces should also install smoke detectors, practice fire safety, and ensure combustible materials are kept clear of heat sources.
Stay informed on community safety by following Wilmington Fire District updates.
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