PEORIA, Ill. –Peoria firefighters responded to a report of a fire at a home in the 700 block of NE Madison just before midnight Thursday.
Crews were met with heavy smoke and fire on the main floor of the home. The fire was first knocked down from the exterior of the home, then handlines were advanced through the front door to the first and second floors.
Due to hoseline and mechanical issues, interior crews were delayed in advancing handlines inside the home.
Battalion Chief Rick Morgan said the fire was under control in about 30 minutes.
A search confirmed no one was inside the home.
Crews remained on the scene for an extended period of time to extinguish a hidden fire found on the first floor, second floor, and the exterior of the home.
A fire investigator was dispatched to the scene and determined the cause of the fire was arson.
Code enforcement personnel called in demolition crews to the scene to raze the home.
No firefighter injuries were reported.
