Watseka Fire Chief Ken Baier is praising the response of emergency personnel to a house fire (Saturday) in the 600-block of E. Mulberry Street.  Four people were injured, two with serious burns and smoke inhalation.  The response, Baier pointed out, reflects on how all concerned see fire training.

"Everything we train for is what we want to replicate when we respond to a house fire.  Everyone did great. We checked off all the boxes in dealing with what we call 'controlled chaos," Baier said.  "The training shows."

Watseka Fire was on the scene within seven minutes, even though there appeared to be a slow response to calling 9-1-1.  Baier said that was only because two of four injured were not at homne when the fire call came in.  Other observers notified 9-1-1 Dispatch. 

The chief said a child with a lighter started the fire in the living room then helped the fire spread.  Flames were seen from the front of the house with heavy, thick smoke coming from the rear.  The family's grandfather arrived home and entered through the back to drag one victim out.  An elderly great-grandmother suffered 3rd degree burns and smoke inhalation.

Baier said Riverside Ambulance personnel actually called for a helicopter immediately when it was evident how serious the burns were to the woman. The victim was transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital to await the medical chopper from Joliet, then airlifted to the Loyola burn unit. 

The fire was knocked down in 20 minutes.  Chief Baier said "the entire response team did great."  The community has responded to assist the family, now displaced.

Mutual aid came from Crescent City Fire, Riverside Ambulance, Crescent City EMS, Milford and Martinton Fire, and Woodland Fire. 

94.1 WGFA