THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE ARTICLE BY DAVE HINTON
DANVILLE — An early-morning fire took the life of a Danville resident on Wednesday.
The victim perished despite firefighters’ attempts to enter the house.
Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden identified the victim as 85-year-old Judith A. David of Danville. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday and her family has been notified.
Fire Chief Aaron Marcott said firefighters were called at 3:17 a.m. for a fire in a one-story wood-frame home in the 300 block of North Fletcher Street.
Heavy fire and smoke conditions were reported coming from the residence.
Three victims who had escaped the home met firefighters upon arrival. They reported a fourth person, Mrs. David, was still inside the home.
Fire crews from two companies attempted to enter the home but were driven back due to the high heat conditions.
Marcott said a third arriving crew tried to enter through a different part of the home but again were forced back due to the high heat.
Multiple handlines were used to bring the fire under control.
“Once the conditions became tenable for firefighters, they re-entered the home and located the victim,” Marcott said.
It was discovered Mrs. David had died.
The Vermilion County coroner’s office was notified.
The three other victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment. Marcott said a family pet also perished.
While performing the search and once the victim was removed, firefighters found collapsing floor sections, and it was unsafe to enter. An excavator was brought to the scene to tear down the building while firefighters extinguished remaining hot spots.
Marcott said the home had no working smoke detectors. Estimated dollar loss was placed at $170,000.
The Illinois State Fire Marshals Office was brought in to assist Danville Fire Department with an investigation into the fire. Marcott said anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Ryan Allison at the Danville Fire Department — 217-431-2350.
The American Red Cross was notified to assist the family.
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