Improper disposal of smoking materials determined to be cause of Monday afternoon fire

QUINCY — The improper disposal of smoking materials was determined by investigators with the Quincy Fire Department as the cause of a Monday afternoon fire.

The Quincy Fire Department responded at 12:20 p.m. on Monday, May 26, to a report of a possible structure fire in a two-story building with a basement at 420 S. Eighth. Three engine companies arrived at 12:24 p.m. to find light smoke coming from the rear porch. Fire was found in a void space inside a structural column and the porch roof. All occupants self-evacuated. 

An attack line was deployed, and the fire was knocked down quickly. The adjacent occupancies were searched for smoke, with none found. Crews continued to overhaul until the fire was completely extinguished.

South 8th Street was closed for approximately 45 minutes during the incident. The last fire crew left the scene at 1:18 p.m. 

No civilians or firefighters were injured at the scene. Damage was confined to the porch.

The Quincy Police Department and Adams County Ambulance Service were on scene to assist. The QFD Volunteer Rehab Team also responded.

The Quincy Fire Department had 11 members on scene from three engines, one quint, the assistant chief and the fire chief.