FAIRBURY -  Fire Crews from Fairbury and Jansen responded to a structure fire Thursday night in rural Jefferson County.   According to Fairbury Rural Fire Assistant Chief Judd Stewart, the initial call went out Thursday night shortly after 8 of a fully involved garage fire two and a half miles south of Jansen.  Because they have an automatic aid agreement in place, Jansen fire was immediately requested for mutual aid as well. 

Crews were on scene within 6 minutes from the initial page and arriving personnel found a fully involved attached garage fire with the fire just starting to work into the house.  All residents of the house were already evacuated. 

Fire personnel started from the exterior of the house, knocking down the main fire then transitioning inside to prevent further fire spreading into the residence. 

Fairbury Rural Fire Department was able to determine the cause of the fire, which was a propane grill that had recently been used and placed inside the garage. 

There were no injuries to firefighters or residents, although one pet perished in the fire. 

 35 firefighters from Fairbury Rural Fire and Jansen Rural Fire departments, the Jefferson County Ambulance, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, and Norris Public Power all responded to the incident.  Plus, the American Red Cross was also contacted for assistance with finding temporary housing for the displaced residents. 

Assistant Chief Judd said "Fairbury Rural Fire Department greatly is thankful that the occupants of the house were able to evacuate safely and extremely grateful for the relation ship we have with Jansen Rural fire and how we are able to work as one department to do the best job of ensuring life safety and preserving property."