Fire heavily involves vacant house on Urbana's Hill Street; no one hurt
Downed power lines forced a defensive attack, and the State Fire Marshal is helping investigate the cause.
URBANA - Urbana firefighters were sent to a vacant single-family house at 1006 Hill St. about 11:54 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, after a report of smoke coming from the building, the Urbana Fire Department said in a news release.
The first engine crew found heavy fire at the back of the house, and firefighters spotted downed power lines that created serious safety hazards. Because of those conditions, the battalion chief ordered a defensive attack, fighting the fire from outside. A ladder truck used its aerial ladder because overgrown vegetation around the property blocked access to parts of the house.
About 20 Urbana firefighters responded, along with Arrow Ambulance and Urbana police. The fire was under control about 25 minutes after crews arrived, and firefighters stayed about two hours to make sure it was out. No firefighters or civilians were reported hurt.
The department asked the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal to help determine the fire's origin and cause, which remain under investigation. Anyone with information can call the department at 217-384-2420.
Source: Urbana Fire Department, "Working Incident at Vacant Residence 1006 Hill Street" (Oct. 28, 2026).