Tragic fires in Champaign and Vermilion County over the weekend has fire officials again talking about fire safety during the holidays.  A woman and her daughter died from injuries in a structure fire in Champaign.  Two other people were injured. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup says 49-year-old Leslie Gill was pronounced dead at Carle Hospital early Sunday morning. She was rescued from her burning home at Sherwood Court.  Her daughter later died of severe burns. Champaign Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly before 11:30 Saturday night.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Champaign Fire and Police Departments, Illinois State Fire Marshal and Champaign County Coroner’s Office are all investigating the incident.

The Champaign Fire Department reminds all citizens to maintain working smoke alarms in their home – and have and practice fire escape plans. Smoke alarms can provide early notification of a fire when seconds count.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes without any smoke alarms or alarms that were not working. Know the sound of your smoke alarm, and if the alarm sounds – get out and stay out.

In Vermilion County -- a house fire Saturday night in Tilton left one person dead.  The man killed was not immediately identified.  The cause is under investigation.

Officials urge anyone without working smoke alarms to contact their local fire officials for help. 

94.1 WGFA