A basement fire damaged a home and displaced a family Friday afternoon on Normal’s northeast side. No injuries were reported.
The Normal Fire Department responded around 1 p.m. to 1814 Loblolly Drive after a resident reported smoke filling the basement. Firefighters found heavy smoke throughout the first floor, but the occupants and their pets had safely evacuated.
Additional Normal firefighters and a Bloomington Rapid Intervention Team responded to assist. Crews quickly brought the basement fire under control, then spent about an hour ventilating the home and checking for hidden fire and hot spots.
Several floor joists were damaged, creating structural concerns that prevent the family from returning home. The family has arranged temporary housing. A damage estimate has not yet been determined.
Fire investigators are working to determine the fire’s cause and origin.
