WASHINGTON — Firefighters from the East Peoria Fire Department and the North Tazewell Fire Protection District were called to a duplex house in Washington Monday afternoon to battle a blaze. The residence at 105 Argo St., was damaged in a fire that broke out at about 12:30 p.m. after an apparent explosion in the adjoining garage.
According to Rick Ward, assistant chief for the East Peoria Fire Department, three residents were in the house at the time. They were alerted by popping sounds from the garage and were able to safely evacuate the residence. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the apparent explosion are currently under investigation. The extent of the damage has not yet been determined.
“I was at work at the time, and someone told me there was I fire truck at my house,” said Kyle McMurtrey of Washington. “I ran here as fast as I could. When the people inside heard the explosion, my aunt called 911, and she, her friend, and my grandfather got out of the house. I don’t know where I’m going to stay tonight, but I’m glad everyone got out OK.”