Litchfield Residential Fire Has Four Local Fire Departments Show Up

By Adam Pennock,

Fire Chief,

The Litchfield Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire at 4:51 am on Monday 4/29/2024 at 612 N Harrison. Upon arrival, the on-duty Captain observed a large glow and the response was upgraded to a Full Still. Squad 810 arrived on the scene to find a one-story wood-frame residence with heavy fire visible from the rear of the house. The Litchfield Police Department was assisting occupants in the front yard. A 360-degree scene survey was conducted and it was determined that the main body of fire was located on an enclosed back porch with extension into the house. The occupants stated that everyone was out.

A 1 ¾ inch hose line was deployed to the rear of the house and a hose stream was directed into the rear windows. Once the main body of fire was knocked down on the back porch, entry was made to extinguish the fire throughout the kitchen and attic. A second 1 ¾ inch hose line was deployed to assist with suppression. A primary search was completed, confirming that everyone was out and that the fire was confined to the rear portion of the house.

Radiant heat melted the siding, broke a window, and damaged a car at the residence to the south of the involved structure. Firefighters on the scene were ultimately able to keep the fire from spreading to the neighboring structure.

Two vertical ventilation holes were cut in the roof towards the rear and a positive-pressure ventilation fan was placed in the front door. The kitchen and the rear bathroom were overhauled and hot spots were extinguished. One occupant was transported to St Francis Hospital by Hillsboro Ambulance with minor injuries. Ameren was requested to the scene to control the gas and electric utilities. The Illinois State Fire Marshal Arson Investigation Division was requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. The cause remains undetermined.

The fire was extinguished by 11 Litchfield Personnel staffing 4 apparatus. The Raymond Harvel Fire Department provided mutual aid with 1 Engine and 5 personnel. The Mt. Olive Fire Department also provided mutual aid with 1 Engine and 4 personnel. Montgomery County EMA assisted the occupants by contacting the American Red Cross.

I'm proud of our firefighters for their quick response and effective actions in containing the fire and ensuring the safety of all occupants. We would like to thank the Litchfield Police Department, Raymond Harvel Fire Department, Mt. Olive Fire Department, Hillsboro Ambulance, IL OSFM Special Agent Handshy, Montgomery County EMA and Ameren Gas/Electric for their assistance. Our thoughts are with the homeowner and occupants affected by this incident.

The following photos were taken by Retired LVFD Lieutenant Russ Campbell.