A press release courtesy of the Litchfield Fire Department who battled a garage fire yesterday afternoon.

On January 5, 2023, at 1301 hours, the Litchfield Fire Department was dispatched by Montgomery County 911 to a report of a Garage on Fire. The First arriving unit found a fully involved garage. The structural components had collapsed prior to arrival and the contents were burning. The water supply was not readily available. A 2.5" handline was deployed to the west end of the building to keep fire from impinging on a stationary, residential propane tank and booster tank water was used.

Water tenders arrived from Raymond Harvel, Carlinville, and Hillsboro to maintain a larger water supply. A second 1.75" handline was deployed to the East end for suppression and to protect a forklift not yet involved. Carlinville FD arrived on scene with personnel who were directed to add a third handline branched off of the initial 2.5" using a gated wye appliance. All personnel performing suppression transferred to overhaul when the bulk of the fire was extinguished. After successfully moving enough debris the fire was deemed at a loss and stopped at 1445 hours. All equipment was collected and all units cleared the scene and returned to service.

The fire was fought by 8 LFD personnel, staffing 5 apparatus. 

Mutual Aid Provided by Raymond Harvel Fire Department (2), Hillsboro Fire Department (2), and Carlinville Fire Department (5). 

An investigation into the origin and cause of the fire was conducted and is listed in the investigation report as cause undetermined. 

The Litchfield Fire Department reminds everyone that when the weather turns cold, it can bring a chill into our homes. Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement central heating or heat one room.  If you plan to use portable electric space heaters, make sure to follow these tips and recommendations:

• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.

•  Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn

• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.

• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.

•  Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.

•  Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.

•  Keep children away from the space heater.

•  Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.

•  Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.