Utica firefighter treated, released from hospital after Sunday fire

A Utica firefighter was treated and released from the hospital with minor injuries after falling through the floor and into the basement of a vacant home on fire Sunday night, northeast of Utica.

Utica firefighters responded to a house 9:35 p.m. Sunday at 1146 North 32nd Road with heavy fire in its front.

While working to extinguish the fire, one firefighter fell through the floor and into the basement, the Utica Fire Department said in a news release. A mayday call was initiated and the firefighter was rescued within 5 minutes. The firefighter was taken to St. Margaret’s Peru with minor injuries by La Salle Ambulance. The firefighter was treated and released Monday morning.

The fire was controlled in about 30 minutes. Firefighters were on scene for about 2 1/2 hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The initial call to Utica firefighters reported a gas meter on fire.

Firefighters from Troy Grove, Wallace, La Salle, and Oglesby also responded.