Galesburg Fire Chief discusses downtown fire, latest on investigation

Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind joined WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm on Galesburg's Morning News to discuss the Dec. 5 structure fire in a vacant building at 175 N. Cherry St.

Among the topics were:

• What's it like for firefighters when an alarm rings at 3 a.m.?
• The challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions, with temperatures around 10 degrees and strong winds complicating their efforts.
• The strategic approaching in fighting this fire, including saving neighboring Smokin' Willies BBQ.
• The latest on the investigation, including possible causes.

PHOTOS: Fire at 175 N. Cherry St.

cherry-street-demo-120524

Work got underway Thursday afternoon to demolish a building at 179 N. Cherry St. damaged by a fire on Dec. 5, 2024. (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)

dji-galesburg-fire-cherry-00_01_51_05-still001

Galesburg Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 179 N. Cherry St. at approximately 3:18 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, heavy flames could be seen at the structure. (Drone photo Kyle Martin)

galesburg-fire-cherry-1

Galesburg Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 179 N. Cherry St. at approximately 3:18 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, heavy flames could be seen at the structure. (Drone photo Kyle Martin)

galesburg-fire-cherry-2

Galesburg Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 179 N. Cherry St. at approximately 3:18 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, heavy flames could be seen at the structure. (Drone photo Kyle Martin)

cherry-street-demo

Work got underway Thursday afternoon to demolish a building at 179 N. Cherry St. damaged by a fire on Dec. 5, 2024. (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)

cherry-st-fire-12524

Galesburg Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 179 N. Cherry St. at approximately 3:18 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, heavy flames could be seen at the structure. (Photo courtesy Kelly Marfell)

Screenshot

Galesburg Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 179 N. Cherry St. at approximately 3:18 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, heavy flames could be seen at the structure. (Photo courtesy Will Coulter)

cherry-st-fire

Galesburg Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 179 N. Cherry St. at approximately 3:18 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, heavy flames could be seen at the structure. (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)