PEKIN, Ill. — Firefighters were called just after 8:20 a.m. Monday to a home in the 1500 block of S. Capitol Street in Pekin.
Pekin Fire Chief Kurt Nelson said the fire started in the basement.
“When crews got there, they found fire blowing out the basement windows and heavy smoke throughout the home,” Nelson said.
Seven family members got out of the house safely. One child had already left for school at the time of the fire.
The American Red Cross was called to assist the family with temporary housing.
“There was a substantial amount of damage. I’m guessing somewhere in the $50,000 range. But, a lot of damage,” Nelson said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
