Resident dies from injuries in Ottawa fire

An Ottawa resident died after they were injured in an evening fire Sunday, the Ottawa Fire Department said in a news release.

The Ottawa Fire Department responded to a call at 5:20 p.m. Sunday at 414 Second Ave. to find an individual trapped.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at 5:23 p.m. to heavy smoke coming from inside the residence, according to the release.

Bystanders informed the crew an individual was trapped on the second floor and firefighters performed a “vent, enter, search of the second floor.”

Upon entering the residence the crew was met by heavy smoke and heat conditions, according to the release. Firefighters found an unresponsive victim on the second floor and they transferred the person by ladder to medical personnel.

The victim was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and died as a result of their injuries.

Because of the ongoing investigation and proper notification to family, the identities of the victim will later be released by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office.

The fire was declared under control at 5:54 p.m. Firefighters continued to perform salvage, overhaul and investigation activities.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to assist with the investigation of the fire.

According to the release, there is an ongoing investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, initial findings appear to be accidental in nature. Details will be released at a later date.

At the time of the fire, smoke was visible from across the Illinois River. Additionally, firefighters fought the fire in temperatures below zero during a wind chill warning.

Ottawa Fire Department was assisted by the Ottawa Police Department, Naplate Fire Department, Wallace Fire Department, Marseilles Area Ambulance Service, Marseilles Fire Department, Grand Ridge Fire Department, Utica Fire Department, Seneca Fire Department, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall, Ottawa Water Department, Nicor and Ameren.