THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT RELEASE
ABOVE: Danville Fire Department photo of Fire on South Virginia Avenue
Abandoned Residential Structure Destroyed by Fire on South Virginia Avenue
Danville, Illinois – June 1, 2026 — The Danville Fire Department is investigating a residential structure fire that occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, May 30, 2026.
At approximately 12:05 a.m., Danville Fire Department personnel were dispatched to a reported house fire at 38 S. Virginia Avenue. Responding crews experienced delays due to a train blocking access routes and were required to reroute apparatus to reach the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story residential structure believed to be abandoned with heavy fire conditions present. Due to the intensity of the fire and the close proximity of neighboring homes, initial operations focused on protecting adjacent residences from extension.
Engine companies established water supplies from nearby hydrants and deployed multiple handlines to protect exposures and attack the fire. Truck 2 established aerial master stream operations, directing large volumes of water onto the involved structure and nearby exposures to prevent fire spread. Firefighters removed boarding materials from windows and other openings to gain access to concealed fire areas and improve extinguishment efforts.
Crews worked for several hours to contain the fire and protect neighboring properties. Due to the significant fire damage and resulting structural instability, the Incident Commander ordered an excavator to the scene to safely demolish the remaining portions of the building. Firefighters continued suppression operations during the demolition process, extinguishing hidden fire and remaining hot spots as the structure was dismantled.
The fire was declared under control and fire units remained on scene until approximately 3:58 a.m.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The structure was determined to be a total loss. The residence was believed to be abandoned, with no active gas, electric, or water services connected to the property at the time of the incident. No smoke alarms were present within the structure. Estimated property loss is approximately $15,000.
The Danville Fire Department was assisted by Ameren Illinois, the Danville Police Department, and AMT Ambulance Service.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Captain Ryan Allison of the Danville Fire Department at (217) 431-2350.
Working Smoke Alarms Aid Safe Escape During Moore Street House Fire
Danville, Illinois – June 1, 2026 — The Danville Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire on Saturday, May 30, 2026, that displaced one resident.
At approximately 6:06 p.m., Danville Fire Department personnel were dispatched to 1237 Moore Street for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions involving an enclosed rear porch and kitchen area of the residence. The homeowner had safely exited the structure prior to firefighters arriving on scene.
First arriving fire crews immediately deployed a handline and initiated a coordinated fire attack while Incident Command was established. Additional arriving crews secured a water supply, deployed additional hose lines, and made entry into the residence to conduct interior fire suppression operations and check for fire extension throughout the structure.
During the investigation, the homeowner advised firefighters that he had been preparing food on the stove while attending to household chores. After noticing an unusual odor and hearing a smoke alarm activate, he discovered a fire involving cooking oil on the stove. He attempted to extinguish the fire and turn off the stove; however, conditions rapidly deteriorated, forcing him to evacuate the residence and seek assistance from a neighbor, who contacted 911.
The homeowner reported minor discomfort related to smoke exposure and was evaluated by AMT Ambulance personnel at the scene. He declined further medical treatment after being assessed.
The residence, which was occupied and in normal residential use at the time of the incident, sustained an estimated $40,000 in fire, heat, and smoke damage.
Working smoke alarms were present and activated, providing early warning to the occupant and contributing to the safe evacuation of the home.
One occupant was displaced as a result of the incident. The American Red Cross was notified and advised they would be contacting the homeowner to assist with temporary housing and other immediate needs.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to unattended cooking involving oil on the stove.
The Danville Fire Department was assisted by Ameren Illinois, and AMT Ambulance Service.
