City business took a temporary back seat to "bravery and heroism" at the Washington City Council meeting Monday.
In the aftermath of two major weekend fires less than 11 hours apart where multiple lives were saved and pets rescued, city officials praised the Washington Fire Department's first responders, other community members and neighboring departments for their work fighting the blazes and helping the victims.
Fire Chief Tyler Gee joined in the praise, lauding the "bravery and heroism" of everyone who helped at both scenes.
The first fire was Saturday at the Chapters Living assisted living facility on Newcastle Road. The second fire was Sunday at a two-story apartment building on School Street.
Approximately 40 residents at Chapters, along with several pets, were evacuated safely. Three residents of the School Street apartments were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
"This weekend demonstrated the very best of Washington," said City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh. "Our firefighters, police officers, dispatchers and EMS personnel along with their mutual aid partners responded with courage, professionalism and teamwork that helped save lives.
"And thank you to the residents who stepped up to help their neighbors during these emergencies."
Mayor Lilija Stevens praised those who offered support after the fires.
"Washington has always been a community that comes together when our neighbors need us the most, and this weekend was no exception," she said. "Countless acts of kindness were shown to displaced residents."
Alderperson Brandon Moss lauded Washington's volunteer fire department, noting the two weekend fires were preceded by another major explosion and fire on Mallard Way on Mother's Day.
"We're really lucky from a service standpoint, from the economics of it, to have the fire department that we have," he said. "And they've been put through the ringer the last three weeks or so.
"They've continued to answer the bell even after the bell comes shortly after the previous bell."
Alderperson Mike McIntyre said the city is blessed to have the volunteer firefighters it has.
He was on scene at the Chapters Living fire, he said, and praised those who executed a plan to the evacuate the residents. He also thanked the city's Public Works Department for helping with the water supply there.
Fiegenschuh provided details of the weekend fires.
He said when firefighters arrived at Chapters Living, the fire had spread across the exterior of the three-story building and extended into multiple apartments and the attic.
"The residents and pets were safety evacuated through the coordinated efforts of the Washington Fire Department, Washington Police Department, [Chapters Living] staff members and civilians," he said. "Fire crews brought the blaze under control within 15 minutes of their arrival."
As for the School Street fire, "fire blocked the only means of egress for several second-floor residents, requiring dramatic ladder rescues by firefighters, police officers and citizens," Fiegenschuh said.
"Firefighters did extensive searches of the building, rescued multiple pets, and brought the fire under control after about an hour of suppression operations."
The East Peoria, Morton, Metamora, Eureka and Germantown Hills fire departments provided assistance at both fires. Fiegenschuh said the city also appreciates staff at Washington Senior Living and the American Red Cross for their help.
"Our thoughts now are with the residents who have been affected by those fires as they begin the recovery process," he said.
No damage estimates from the fires have been released.
