Macomb, IL – Macomb Fire Chief Andy Taylor says it's still not known what started a fire on the city's west side on Wednesday.
The fire destroyed a building at 1200 West Jackson Street that housed four businesses. Those businesses were the Macomb Dental Center, an Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services office, Jones Sewing Supply, and Riverside Finance.
The fire caused as estimated $2 million damage.
Taylor believes the fire started in the roof in the western portion of the building. He thinks it was electrical in nature but there might be too much damage to prove that. He says it appears to have been accidental.
Taylor says he's been a firefighter for 11 years and has never seen a fire spread as quickly as this one did.
Taylor met with reporters Thursday morning to provide more information about the fire. You can listen to the news conference by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Two firefighters were injured when the roof collapsed as they tried to evacuate from the building. A third was injured when he tried to help them.
*The injured firefighters are identified as Lt. Steve Welch, Dirk Raymer, and Ryan Hotz. They suffered second and third degree burns. They were all treated at McDonough District Hospital on Wednesday afternoon and were released.
*DHS says Division of Rehabilitation Services clients will now be served at the DHS Family Community Resource Center, which is located at 1026 East Jackson Street.
*Taylor says rescue personnel were on two other calls when the fire was reported at about 10:50am Wednesday. He thinks the department's response time was good.
*A passerby reportedly warned people in the offices about the fire. Taylor says he does not know the person's identity but would like to thank him. The chief considers that person a hero.