ABOVE: File Photo (Information Courtesy of Danville Fire Department)
Incident Date: Friday, December 25, 2025
Time of Incident: 1:45 PM
Description of Structure/Property: Two (2) Story Residence
Alarm Location/Address: 520 Bryan Avenue
Description of Incident:
The Danville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a two-story single-family residence on Christmas Day. Engine 1 arrived first on scene and reported a two-story house with smoke and fire showing. Crews immediately initiated fire attack operations and simultaneously began rescue efforts after locating a victim on the front porch roof.
Engine 1 pulled an attack line for fire suppression while a ladder was thrown to the front porch roof to assist a victim who had exited an upstairs window due to heavy smoke conditions. The victim was safely assisted down the ladder by the Engine 1 driver, Firefighter Nathan Michael.
Upon arrival, the Incident Commander observed active fire conditions, with fire venting from a bedroom and heavy brown and black smoke pushing from attic vents and a window above the front porch. A second alarm and an additional ambulance were requested due to the conditions and number of occupants involved.
Firefighters discovered that the electrical service line had burned through, leaving a live wire in the backyard. Ameren Gas and Electric were requested to respond and later secured utilities to the residence.
During the primary search, Engine 2 located and rescued a cat from inside the residence. Arrow Ambulance personnel provided oxygen to the rescued cat and evaluated two occupants, both of whom refused medical attention.
Six (6) residents were present at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested and assisted the displaced occupants.
According to interviews conducted with all occupants, the fire was first discovered in a bedroom, prompting evacuation efforts. Five occupants exited through the front door, and one occupant exited through an upstairs window onto the porch roof due to heavy smoke conditions. All occupants escaped the structure, and no civilian injuries were reported.
Incident Summary:
1 occupant assisted from porch roof by ladder
5 occupants self-evacuated via the front door
1 cat rescued
2 occupants evaluated by EMS and refused treatment
Utilities secured by Ameren Gas and Electric
Red Cross assisted displaced residents
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Danville Fire Department.
The Danville Fire Department commends the coordinated efforts of all responding crews for their rapid actions, effective rescue, and strong fireground performance under challenging conditions.
The Danville Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Danville Police Department, Arrow Ambulance, and Ameren Illinois.
Fire Units Cleared: 4:21 PM
Fire Cause: Under Investigation
Injuries: Two (2) patients were treated and released at the scene; two (2) firefighters reported minor injuries at the scene and were also treated and released.
Smoke Alarm Status: Present and Working.
Estimated Dollar Loss: $35,000
Assisting Agencies: Ameren Illinois, Office of Illinois State Fire Marshal, and AMT Ambulance.
