QFD responds to house fire on Ohio Street

QUINCY – At about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, the Quincy Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1711 Ohio Street following reports of visible smoke and fire.

The first crew arrived on scene at 11:18 p.m. and reported smoke in the area but no flames visible.  They deployed a hand line, believing the fire was in the attic, as the second fire truck arrived.  The homeowner reported that he had been using a toaster oven in the back right bedroom about an hour earlier and may have not gotten it shut off. 

The Assistant Chief walked around the building and saw the flames in the rear bedroom through the window and reported it to the interior crew.  The second crew deployed a second hand line, broke out the bedroom window and knocked down the fire in the bedroom from outside.  The interior crew made their way back to the bedroom and finished extinguishing the fire. 

The third fire truck arrived on scene and connected a supply hose from the fire hydrant at 16^th and Ohio.  The supply line was charged and the Assistant Chief called for a fourth fire truck to respond to the scene.

The fire extended through the ceiling of the bedroom and into the cellulose insulation between the first floor and attic.  Fire crews made their way to the attic to check for fire extension.  There was no fire in the attic.  A hand line was used to soak down the cellulose insulation.

The 10’ x 13’ bedroom sustained heavy fire, smoke, and heat damage.  The rest of the house sustained heat and heavy smoke damage.  Ameren Gas and Electric were called to the scene and the gas and power were both shut off to the house.

The cause of the fire was labeled as accidental due to unattended cooking equipment.  The occupant did not need assistance or housing from The Red Cross.  The last fire crew and fire investigator left the scene at 1:18 A.M. on 8/4/2024.