On Sunday, October 6th, 2024, at 2:24 p.m., the Ottawa Fire Department responded to a fire at 118 E Van Buren St. Upon arrival, crews found a large two-story residential home with an active fire in the northeast corner. Firefighters immediately entered the building with multiple handlines to combat the flames. Fortunately, no occupants were home when the fire began.
By 3:15 p.m., the fire was under control, but firefighters continued with salvage, overhaul, and investigative operations. One civilian, who had entered the burning home in an attempt to rescue the family’s dog, was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and transported to the hospital by a family member. Firefighters found the dog in an upstairs closet, safely rescued it, and returned it to the family waiting outside. The dog was unharmed and reunited with its family. One firefighter was also treated on scene for a minor illness due to over-exertion, but did not require any additional medical treatment.
The fire started in the downstairs kitchen and was ruled accidental. It began when food and a wooden cutting board, left on the stove, were ignited. Although the stove was off when the family left, their dog accidentally turned it on while trying to reach the food, sparking the blaze.
The Ottawa Fire Department received support from several agencies, including the Ottawa Police Department, Ottawa Central Dispatch, Naplate Fire Department, Wallace Fire Department, Marseilles Area Ambulance Service, Marseilles Fire Department, Grand Ridge Fire Department, Utica Fire Department, Streator EMS, Morris EMS, Ottawa Water Department, Nicor, and Ameren