Peoria, Ill — Three people are reported to be critically injured in the wake of a high rise fire in downtown Peoria.
We’re learning more about a three-alarm fire that struck the Glen Oak Towers early Monday. Firefighters say it was a hard and fast fire suppression effort followed by an exhausting evacuation.
According to a release issued Monday night, Peoria Fire Department commanders say they got the initial call at 6:48 a.m. Monday.
9-1-1 callers reported thick black smoke pouring through the 4th floor of the building. Many residents living on higher floors also reported being stranded as a result.
Nearly four dozen firefighters responded to the scene and brought the fire under control within roughly 40 minutes.
Crews then worked to evacuate close to 170 residents from the building.
The report says City Link helped transport many of them to the Peoria Civic Center where volunteers and managers with the American Red Cross assisted with blankets and meals.
American Gas and Electric crews were called in as a precaution and power was shut off for 4 floors of the building.
Fire crews stayed at the scene throughout the day and to help victims with the aftermath.
In total, 8 people were hospitalized with 3 victims reported in critical condition.
Temporary housing was provided for close to 40 residents while the rest of them were able to return to their apartment homes.
A fire investigators on scene determined the blaze to be accidental in nature.
