A woman has died and multiple families are without a residence following a major fire at an apartment complex Friday night in Eureka.
Eureka-Goodfield Fire Chief Craig Neal said first responders were called to the three-story building in the 800 block of South Main St. shortly before 8 p.m. He said firefighters helped evacuate several people from inside.
A news release issued Sunday by Woodford County Coroner Tim Ruestman identified the victim Jennifer Adams, 58. Following an autopsy, Ruestman ruled her cause of death to be smoke and soot inhalation.
A news release posted on social media by the Eureka Police Department said at least 12 residents were displaced, and two dogs were rescued.
Assistant police chief Kim Jones credited members of the Eureka community, local businesses and churches for assisting the victims with food, clothing, household goods and personal items.
Neal said the three-story house that was converted into apartments is a complete loss. He said it took approximately 36 firefighters from nine departments more than seven hours to get the fire under control, due to the complexity of the building’s interior and the humid conditions.
The Illinois Fire Marshal’s office and the Illinois State Police continue to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.
