An Essex family escaped from their burning home (Thursday) morning. Smoke detectors alerted the family at 2:45 am. Three people fled the house on Prairie Drive. The family's dog died in the fire.

Firemen found an attached garage to the bi-level home engulfed in flames when they arrived. The fire department reported heavy damage to the wall between the garage and house. The cause and a dollar amount on damage wasn't available.

Herscher, South Wilmington, Salina and Reddick fire departments and Riverside Ambulance assisted.

A structure fire in Pembroke Township (Wednesday) alerted several area departments, including St. Anne, Momence, Beaverville, Papineau and Aroma Park.

No injury was reported. Details haven't been available. The call directed responders to 6000S and 17000E in Kankakee County.

94.1 WGFA