QFD responds to overnight fire on Chestnut

QUINCY – The Quincy Fire Department answered the call to a structure fire in a multi-family residence at 219 Chestnut Sunday.

At around 1:10 a.m., Engines #4, #2, #6 and the Incident Commander responded as initial reports were that there were people still in the house. But all occupants were out of the building as heavy
smoke was coming from the first and second floors as crews arrived and within minutes, there were flames coming from the second floor and attic.

Engine Company #4 made the initial approach on the first floor and put out the fire in that area as
Engine Company #2 made entry into the upstairs apartment and encountered flames on the
second floor. Engine company #6 provided the Rapid Intervention Team and Incident Commander called for a second alarm which brought Engine Company #5 and #3 to the scene along with off-duty personnel to cover the reserve apparatus.

Crews worked for more than two hours putting out flames in the structure which included opening up large areas of ceiling and walls searching for fire extension.

Cause and origin investigators were called to the scene to search for a cause of the fire, which is still under investigation.

All residents were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross.

QFD responded with 16 firefighters to the scene. The second alarm brought Chief Bernie
Vahlkamp and Deputy Chief Steve Salrin to the scene and six firefighters to Central Station to
run reserve apparatus.

QFD was assisted by the QFD Rehab Team, Quincy Police, Adams County Ambulance and Ameren.

Photos courtesy of Brian Mosley