2 victims identified in fatal Galesburg fire

UPDATE: The school the family’s children attend, Galesburg Christian School , is looking to help the family with donated items.

EARLIER UPDATE : The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a fatal structure fire in the 500 block of North Cherry Street at 3:20 a.m. Friday, according to an update Friday afternoon.

The response included all three stations and the 11 personnel on duty. Upon arrival, personnel encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear second story windows of the two-story residence.

Battalion Chief Derek Perry established command, and the Fremont Street and Central Station fire crews made entry with an attack hose line. Firefighters found and removed two victims from within the structure. The victims were transported to OSF St. Mary’s Hospital by Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service.

Additional fire crews used multiple attack hose lines to extinguish the fire from the interior and exterior of the residence. A family dog was rescued.

Eight occupants were able to get out of the house at the time of the fire department’s arrival. The occupants were evaluated by Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service personnel and were transported to OSF St. Mary’s for evaluation.

The victims – 50-year-old John E. Stipp and a 6-year-old child – were pronounced deceased at OSF St. Mary’s Hospital. The Red Cross has been contacted and is providing additional assistance to the displaced occupants.

An emergency callback of off duty fire personnel was initiated to provide additional resources at the fire scene and emergency coverage for the city.

Fire damage was contained to the second floor and attic of the residence. Preliminary damage is estimated at $30,000. The fire remains under investigation by Galesburg Fire Investigators, Illinois State Police, Galesburg Police Investigators, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

EARLIER : Two people are dead after a fire in Galesburg this morning, according to a news release from the city.

The Galesburg Fire Department was called to a structure fire in the 500 block of N. Cherry Street on Friday, September 27 at about 3:20 a.m. The response included all three stations and the 11 personnel who were on duty.

Two deaths have been confirmed at this time. The names of the victims are being withheld, pending notification of family. More information will be released after further investigation.

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