Abingdon firefighters and Knox County deputies safely evacuated 53 residents — including several with disabilities and children — from a smoky New Year’s Day blaze at Blue Bell Towers apartment complex.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that a deputy assigned to the Abingdon area responded to a fire alarm activation at the building on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at approximately 12:48 p.m. Upon entering, the deputy observed heavy smoke coming from the second floor and immediately began advising residents to evacuate while calling for additional units.
As more officers arrived, heavy smoke was seen on the second floor and extending through hallways on floors three through six. The deputy notified dispatch of a working structure fire, and the Abingdon Fire Protection District responded, confirming an active fire in a second-floor apartment and initiating suppression efforts.
Knox County Sheriff’s deputies, Abingdon First Responders, and Abingdon Fire Protection personnel worked to evacuate residents. Additional support came from Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service (GHAS), which treated multiple people for smoke inhalation at the scene. One Knox County deputy was transported to OSF St. Mary Medical Center for smoke inhalation treatment and has since been released. Life Flight was on standby but not needed.
During the evacuation, responders also rescued multiple animals from the building and transported them for veterinary care. One cat was found deceased on the second floor.
The Knox County Housing Authority arrived quickly to assist with resident accountability and evacuation, confirming all residents were accounted for and helping identify any pets still inside apartments to prioritize rescues.
Additional resources included the Abingdon-Avon Community Unit School District 217 providing buses for transportation (including accommodations for mobility limitations), the American Red Cross for emergency assistance at a temporary shelter at Hedding Grade School, Galesburg Public Transportation, the Avon Fire Department, Life Flight on standby, and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal assisting with the investigation.
Knox County Sheriff Jack Harlan Jr. praised the coordinated efforts, saying he is “extremely proud of the coordinated efforts of all first responders, dispatch personnel, assisting agencies, and community members whose professionalism and teamwork ensured the safe evacuation of residents during a dangerous and rapidly developing situation.”
The sheriff’s office extended appreciation to all involved, including the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Abingdon Fire Protection District, Abingdon First Responders, GHAS, Avon Fire Department, American Red Cross, Galesburg Public Transportation, Abingdon-Avon Community Unit School District 217 bus service, Knox County Housing Authority, Life Flight, and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Donations for displaced residents are being accepted by The Cupboard and Closet at the Abingdon Community Center on West Martin Street. Drop off at the east door or contact Joann McElrea at (309) 368-2168 to arrange.
