By WMBD-TV
EUREKA – One person is dead and multiple families are displaced after a Friday night fire in Eureka.
The Woodford County Coroner’s office has identified the victim as 58-year old Jennifer Adams. Adams was pronounced dead at the scene and died from injuries she sustained in the fire, according to a news release.
In addition, 12-14 residents have been displaced.
It happened just before 8 p.m. Friday at an apartment complex on South Main Street between East College Avenue and Reagan Drive. That’s across the street from Eureka College.
Eureka-Goodfield Fire Chief Craig Neal said the fire started on the ground floor then quickly moved up to the attic. He said the structure, an older three-story home converted into apartments, had no fire stops between floors. This, along with the heat and humidity, caused the fire to spread fast.
It took between six to eight volunteer fire departments until 3:30 a.m. to put out the fire and clear the scene. Two dogs were rescued.
Neal said the community has stepped up to assist the displaced families, clothing and shelter. Local churches and businesses have also stepped forward to help with displaced residents. As of now, the area is taped off for passerby safety until clean-up efforts begin.
“That’s the unique thing about Eureka, we take care of our own,” he said.
Eureka Police Dept. thanked the other departments that helped with the fire including, Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police Troop 4, Illinois State Crime Scene Investigations Team, Illinois State Zone 4 Investigations Team, Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, Illinois Department of Transportation, Woodford County Communications (dispatch), Woodford County Coroners Office, Salvation Army, City of Eureka Public Works Department, Ameren-Cilco, Eureka-Goodfield Fire Protection District, Eureka-Goodfield EMS, Congerville Fire Department, Deer Creek Fire Department, Secor Fire Department, El Paso Fire Department, Roanoke Fire Department, Metamora Fire Department, Germantown Hills Fire Department and Washington Fire Department.
Neal also pointed to the need for more volunteer firefighters. Area departments are very short-staffed, leading to more than a half dozen fire departments activated to respond to the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. No firefighters were injured.
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