UPDATE: Charging battery blamed for causing fire on U of I campus
Share this @internewscast.com

Update at 4 p.m.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Fire Department shared additional details about the fire at the University of Illinois’ Research Park on Saturday afternoon, including its cause.

According to Randy Smith, the department’s Public Information Officer, crews responded to a reported fire at 12:08 p.m. in the two-story Atkins Building. Upon arrival, firefighters located a small fire inside the office building, which was confined to a battery that was undergoing charging.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher and moved the battery outside,” Smith stated. “Crews successfully kept the fire limited to the item containing the battery.”

The cause of the fire was determined to be an accident and no injuries were reported.


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Firefighters responded to a building fire on the University of Illinois campus Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred at the Atkins Building, situated in Research Park at the junction of Oak Street and St. Mary’s Avenue. An Illini Alert was issued at 12:30 p.m., advising individuals to vacate the area immediately if present. A follow-up alert was dispatched 30 minutes later, indicating the emergency had concluded.

WCIA reporters on the scene observed at least six fire trucks from both Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments. AMT ambulances were on-site, along with the U of I Police Department.

This is a developing story.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Celebrating Tradition: Highlights from the 79th Annual Kingsport Chamber Dinner

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The much-anticipated 79th Annual Kingsport Chamber Dinner is set…

NASA Launches Historic Practice Countdown for First Crewed Moon Mission in Over Half a Century

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This past Saturday, NASA commenced a critical two-day…

Capturing Winter Magic: Heartwarming Photos of Families and Their Pets Enjoying the Snow

On a chilly Sunday in Johnson City, Tennessee, the Tri-Cities region transformed…

Explosion in Iranian Port City Claims 1 Life, Injures 14 Ahead of U.S.-Monitored Naval Drill in Strait of Hormuz

DUBAI – Tragedy struck the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on…

Judge Orders Release of 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo Ramos and Father from ICE Custody

SAN ANTONIO – A federal judge has mandated the release of a…

Traffic Alert: Jackknifed Tractor-Trailer Shuts Down Lane on I-81 in Fall Branch

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has temporarily closed a southbound lane on…

Frigid Temperatures Persist as Snow Subsides: Sunny Skies Expected Sunday Afternoon

A Winter Storm Warning remains active until 1 a.m. on Sunday, according…

Authorities Urge Residents to Avoid Roads Amid Ongoing Snowfall

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) along with the Tennessee Department of Transportation…

Unveiled Documents Intensify Scrutiny on Prince Andrew’s Ties to Epstein

In a fresh wave of scandal, Britain’s royal family finds itself facing…

Mariah Carey’s Hidden Grunge Album Unveiled at Star-Studded MusiCares Tribute Event

LOS ANGELES – Renowned for her dynamic blend of pop, R&B, gospel,…

Ultimate Guide: Uncover the Secrets of the 150th Westminster Dog Show

NEW YORK – The stage is set for thousands of America’s most…

Trump’s Stance on Federal Intervention: No Action in Democratic Cities Without Official Request

WASHINGTON – In a recent statement, President Donald Trump declared that Homeland…