The Mount Carmel Fire Department (MCFD) responded to a report of a fire at Tower Heights Apartments (also known as the High Rise), located at 330 W. 10th Street in Mount Carmel at approximately 3:50 a.m. on Saturday.
Upon arrival, firefighters were advised that there was an active fire in a second-story apartment and that the resident had already exited the unit. Assistance was requested from the Allendale Rural Fire Protection District, Bellmont Area Rural Fire Protection District, and Wabash General EMS. The Albion Fire Department was also dispatched for mutual aid but was released while enroute and returned to their station. While some MCFD personnel, along with officers from the Mount Carmel Police Department, assisted residents in evacuating the building, other firefighters attacked the blaze and successfully confined it to the room of origin.
The First Apostolic Church opened its doors to residents as fire operations continued and a headcount was conducted. Between 30 and 40 residents were evacuated and transported by bus to the nearby church. Four individuals were taken to Wabash General Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
All residents, except those living on the second floor, have since been allowed to return to their apartments. The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
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