Tragic Clinton Fires: Beloved Dog Lost, Firefighter Hospitalized as 12 Departments Respond

CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) — A devastating scene unfolded in Clinton on Monday as a dozen fire departments were called to tackle two blazes, one of which tragically resulted in the death of a dog and sent a firefighter to the hospital.

At approximately 3:07 p.m. on October 27, Clinton firefighters rushed to the 800 block of E Adams Street following reports of a garage fire. Upon arrival, they were met with a fierce blaze engulfing a one-and-a-half-story wooden house and its attached single-car garage.

Given the severity of the situation, Clinton firefighters issued a second alarm to request additional support. Witnesses at the scene confirmed that all residents had safely evacuated, but a dog was still trapped inside.

Firefighters worked diligently to bring the fire under control and entered the home in search of the dog. Sadly, they discovered the animal had succumbed to smoke inhalation.

The home suffered severe damage in the fire and is now inhabitable, the department said. One firefighter had to be taken to a hospital with chest pain.

While some Clinton firefighters were battling this fire, others were dispatched to a second building on fire in the 400 block of S Clinton Street at 4:14 p.m. Some firefighters even broke away from the Adams Street fire due to a third alarm being struck for additional help.

On the scene at this fire, firefighters observed a two-car detached garage with a heavy amount of black smoke coming from it. Fire crews gained entry to find the garage and a vehicle inside of it on fire.

Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire, and no injuries were reported on the scene.

Clinton firefighters were able to clear the scene of the Clinton Street fire by 5:30 p.m. and got back to the station from the Adams Street fire just before 10 p.m.

In a Facebook post, the Clinton Fire Department said they were assisted by many individuals, agencies and companies with firefighting efforts and even received food and drinks. The following is a list of all who the department said provided support:

Wapella Fire Protection District
Maroa Fire Protection District
Kenney Fire Protection District
Waynesville Fire Protection District
Weldon Fire Protection District
Randolph Township Fire Protection District
Farmer City Fire Protection District
Hickory Point Fire Protection District
Argenta-Oreana Fire Protection District
Warrensburg Fire Protection District
Mt. Pulaski Fire Protection District
DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency
Clinton Police Department
Clinton Street and Water Department
American Red Cross
Ameren Gas and Electric
Casey’s General Store – Pizza
Mr. Tony Harris – Drinks

“Having two structure fires within blocks away is rare, but does happen,” Clinton Fire said in its Facebook post. “May all of our thoughts be with those that lost property and their beloved pet today.”

Clinton Fire said that neither fire is believed to be suspicious, but they are still being investigated by the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

Tragic Clinton Fires: Beloved Dog Lost, Firefighter Hospitalized as 12 Departments Respond

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