Firefighters quick to knock out downtown basement fire.

At 4:28 p.m. on Monday July 27th the Wilmington Fire District responded to a reported structure fire at The Corner Tap located at 201 N. Water St. Upon arrival, a component on an electrical pole was on fire at the rear of 205 N Water St and 110 N Jackson St. with power lines down in the alley way South of Jackson St.

Initially there was no smoke or fire seen coming from any of the buildings. Within a few minutes, as firefighters were conducting their initial investigation of the incident, smoke was observed through the windows and coming from a small vent on the front of 205 N. Water St. A Full Still assignment was requested bringing in mutual aid from area departments.

Wilmington firefighters believed the fire was coming from the basement and searched for access. Basement stairs were found in the rear of the building and firefighters began an aggressive interior attack. The fire was found to be in the basement at the front of 205 N Water St. where a gas meter near the origin of the fire was damaged and contributing to the fire.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the gas meter while searches to alert any occupants were conducted in the second floor of the building. Nicor and Comed were requested and responded to the scene. No injuries to the public or first responders occurred as a result of the incident. No residents were displaced and both The Corner Tap and Trish’s Antiques at 205 N. Water St. remained closed for the remainder of the day.

The structure fire was the Fire District’s 4 th call in progress and the 11th of the day with the Fire District responding to a total of 16 incidents on the day. Assistance at the scene was provided by Wilmington Police and ESDA as well as the Coal City, Braidwood, Elwood, Manhattan, Channahon, Minooka, Troy and East Joliet Fire Districts. Station coverage for additional calls in progress was provided by the Gardner and Braceville Fire Districts