A Peoria man is dead following a house fire on the city’s south side.
65-year-old Crotchie L. Forrester died after fire broke out Tuesday night in a home at 1825 West Kettelle Street.
Crews were initially called to the scene at 11:46 p.m. on the report of a fire and one person trapped. First responders arrived to heavy smoke pouring from an attic window and an open front door.
Search teams rescued Forrester within minutes of the fire department’s arrival. He was unresponsive and not breathing when transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. He was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning.
Peoria County Coroner Jaimie Harwood says Forrester died of smoke inhalation, and toxicology results are pending.
The Peoria Fire Department reports the blaze was extinguished in 19 minutes. The home’s damage is estimated at $50 thousand.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
