5 pets die, 2 firefighters injured in 3 Burlington fires in 24 hours

It’s been a very busy 24 hours for the Burlington Fire Department. Firefighters dealt with three fires, one which is considered arson and another where five pets died. The department emailed three news releases with details about the fires.

The department was called to the 100 block of Melrose Court on July 16 at about 2:42 p.m. for a report of a structure fire. They arrived five minutes later and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. The property owner was not home at the time of the fire. Three dogs and two cats died in the fire. The property is insured and damages are still being assessed. One firefighter sustained injuries in the fire. The cause is undetermined and is not considered suspicious. The department returned to service at 4:32 p.m.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 1100 block of Osborn Street on July 16 at about 4:27 p.m. for a report of a structure fire. First responders arrived five minutes later and found heavy smoke coming from the front of the building and flames coming from the rear. The address is a vacant rental property that is considered a total loss but was insured at the time of the fire. One Burlington firefighter was injured during foreground operations. Surveillance video showed a juvenile who was seen entering and leaving the structure minutes before smoke could be seen. The juvenile was found, taken into custody and taken to the Juvenile Detention Facility where he was charged with second degree arson. The cause of the fire was determined to be intentionally set. The property was handed over to the owner at 10:30 p.m.

The department’s third call in 24 hours was a mutual aid call to the 300 block of Scholer Avenue in Gulfport, Ill. on Wednesday, July 17 at about 2:01 a.m. for a report of a garage fire. Burlington firefighters arrived nine minutes later to find a 20’ x 30’ metal shop fully engulfed. The fire was brought under control at approximately 2:12 a.m. No injuries were reported, and damages are still being calculated. Burlington Fire Department returned to service at 3:32 a.m. An investigation showed that a large tree fell onto the electrical power line that supplied power to the garage. The area of origin was not identified, due to extensive damage. The cause remains undetermined and not considered suspicious.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.