A tragic house fire claimed the life of a 3-year-old child on Saturday evening. The Decatur Fire Department responded to the blaze at 642 S. Jackson Street at approximately 7:02 p.m. after receiving reports of a structure fire with a child possibly trapped inside.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke emanating from the second floor of the residence. Neighbors informed the crews of the child’s last known location, prompting immediate rescue operations. The first-arriving engine company placed a ladder to the second floor and conducted a rapid search, while the second engine company focused on extinguishing the fire. The third company assisted with the search efforts.
Firefighters located the child and initiated resuscitation efforts before transporting the victim to Decatur Memorial Hospital. Despite extensive life-saving measures, the child succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Decatur Fire Department and the Decatur Police Department, with assistance from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
