20-02-2025
Man recognized for helping extinguish kitchen fire in Galesburg
GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD) — The Galesburg Fire Department recognized the efforts of a resident whose quick response prevented a fire from spreading last year.
Joseph Lamnert was presented a Civic Excellence Award on Wednesday, Fire Chief Randy Hovind said.
He was given the award in connection to an apartment fire that occurred at the Hollow Tree Apartment Complex on Dec. 17, 2024. Neighbors initially evacuated the apartment complex when they heard the fire alarm, then called 911 when they saw flames in one of the apartments.
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When the occupants of the Apartment returned, they were able to unlock the apartment, and that is when Lamnert took action to use his personal fire extinguisher to stop the fire.
When fire crews arrived on the scene, they saw smoke coming from the apartment and learned that the fire had been extinguished and had not spread out of the apartment's kitchen.
Hovind said Lamnert's quick action prevented significant fire, water and smoke damage to the rest of the building.
'The combination of the working smoke detector, the readily available fire extinguisher, and Mr. Lamnert's decisive action had a tremendous impact on the outcome of this incident,' said Fire Chief Hovind. 'We are incredibly proud to honor and thank him today.'
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