PHOTO: More details have been released about a residential structure fire early Monday morning that destroyed two homes and threatened others in West Frankfort. According to the West Frankfort Fire Department, firefighters were sent to the scene around 5:15 a.m. Upon arrival, they found the home fully engulfed with fire on the main floor and also fire throughout the attic space. The exposed homes to the north and south became the priority of concern and efforts. Due to the advanced progression of the fire and limited water supply on the first arriving engine, mutual aid was called. The fire progressed into a vacant home to the north and damaged another home to the south. An occupied home to the south was saved but did suffer some damage to the exterior.  

VIDEO: Many heroes can be found in Central Illinois communities, and for 65 years, there was an entire group of them saving lives in Danville. In 1898, several men got together to form the city's first Black fire station. The building on North Walnut in Danville is now owned by Habitat for Humanity, but from 1898 to 1963, it was home to the station. "They were some of the best firefighters in the city, from what I've been told, because they were first in on where the majority of the fires were," said Lieutenant Lester Potts from the Danville Fire Department. Potts grew up hearing stories about this group of men. He said they were a pillar for the community. "Every day, they stepped up to prove themselves. Not just to prove themselves to whites, but to prove themselves to themselves, to their own community. Because the real reason they were doing it was to protect their community," he said.  

Firefighters have been working to put out a "fully-involved" structure fire at an old plant in Polk County that went up in flames Tuesday afternoon. The City of Cedartown said in a social media post that the fire engulfed the old Jockey plant on West Avenue. They asked that residents avoid the area and find other ways to travel. Drone video on social media shows the old plant up in flames as fire engines were in a large field behind it, shooting water onto the fire. Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome said that at about 5 p.m., they received a call that flames and smoke were coming from the building. Both the police department and fire department responded and discovered the fire. Newsome said the fire department has been fighting the fire for hours, and it has been a multi-jurisdictional effort.  

VIDEO: First responders in Jeffersontown are celebrating the grand opening of their brand-new fire and EMS Station. The ribbon cutting for Station 54 happened Monday morning at the new firehouse on Taylorsville Road, near the Gene Snyder. The project has been in the works for about five years. The firehouse will be staffed around the clock. Crews can enjoy new dorms, a gym, offices and other amenities. This fire station will cover parts of the Parklands, so they've got water rescue equipment and ATVs on standby just in case of emergency. "Believe it or not, they actually happen quite often when the park actually becomes busy this spring," J-town Fire Chief Sean Dreisbach said. "One good day is all it takes. A 70-degree day today, we'll probably make a run out to the park, and somebody'll fall off a bike or something like that."  

VIDEO; For those looking for a trip to the city, or Philadelphians planning a day in their community, the Fireman's Hall Museum promotes fun and fire safety! "There's been a lot of sacrifice to make this experience great for all ages...To learn where we came from to where we are today in fire safety," said Firefighter and Curator Brian Anderson. Guests can learn about Philadelphia's extensive history of fighting fires dating back to Benjamin Franklin. The museum also honors fallen heroes who have lost their lives fulfilling their duties. "The history lives on. 305 members have died in the line of duty from the start of 1871 to current...keep the memorial alive for all those members who died in the line of duty, and we keep promoting and keep educating the particular tools that are used to make your home fire-safe," said Anderson.