A multi-family residence in the Village of Mechanicsburg was destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon and remains under investigation.
The Mechanicsburg Fire Department was dispatched at 4:02 p.m. to a report of a structure fire on West Sandusky Street. Crews arrived on scene minutes later and confirmed a working fire. All occupants were safely out of the residence upon arrival.
Mechanicsburg Fire responded with a tanker, rescue unit, and grass truck, and was assisted by several mutual aid departments, including the Northeast Champaign County Fire District, Urbana Fire Division, London Fire Department, Pleasant Valley Fire Department, and Pleasant Township Fire Department.
Officials also expressed appreciation to the Mechanicsburg Police Department, Champaign Countywide 911 Center, Box 13 Associates, and Village of Mechanicsburg employees for their support during the incident. Pizza Alley also provided meals for fire crews and displaced residents.
The home was declared a total loss. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
According to the Mechanicsburg Fire Department, multiple families were displaced by the fire and lost the majority of their belongings. The department, along with the Mechanicsburg Police Department, is serving as a collection point for donations to assist those affected.
Those displaced include a family of three and two adult roommates. Community members wishing to donate items are asked to provide new-in-package socks and undergarments only. The following needs have been identified:
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Adult female: Shirts (medium/large), pants (medium/large, sizes 10–12), shoes (size 7)
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Adult male: Shirts (L/XL), pants (32×32), shoes (size 11)
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Infant male: Clothing (3–6 months, larger sizes welcome), Enfamil formula, size 1 diapers (larger sizes welcome), wipes, stroller
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Adult male: Shirt (medium), pants (30×30), shoes (9½)
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Adult male: Shirts (2XL), pants (40×34)
The fire department’s front lobby is open for item donations, with on-duty crews checking frequently. Monetary donations should be handed directly to fire crews, an officer with the Mechanicsburg Police Department, or front office staff.
Officials say updates will be provided in the coming days if additional needs arise and encourage the community to support those impacted by the fire.
