EAST ALTON — The East Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of Irwin Street Sunday afternoon.
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When firefighters arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke and flames showing throughout the home. A box alarm was initially requested and later upgraded to a first alarm as additional manpower was needed.
Mutual aid departments from Wood River, Alton, Godfrey, Rosewood Heights, Roxana, and Bethalto responded to assist at the scene.
Firefighters located a victim inside the residence.
“The victim had burns on their body, and a helicopter was requested to transport the victim to a St. Louis hospital,” Wood River Chief Wade Stahlhut said.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control before it spread to a neighboring home, though strong winds created challenges for firefighters battling the blaze.
A Survival Flight ambulance transported a second victim to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The Madison County Emergency Management Agency was requested to provide its rehab unit for crews operating on scene. The house appears to be a total loss.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross was also requested to assist the displaced family.
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