On October 5, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Urbana Fire Department was dispatched to the old Washington School building located at 1102 North Broadway Avenue for a report of smoke coming from the structure. Engine 251, responding from Station 1 on Vine Street, arrived on scene of a large building with light smoke coming from the second floor. The building was known to be vacant.
Engine 251 crew entered the building and began to search for fire and occupants. Engine 251 could smell a burning odor upon entry and quickly located fire on the second floor of the building.
Battalion Chief C220 arrived on scene, confirmed this to be a working fire and established command. C220 directed Ladder 261 to use the aerial ladder to check roof conditions. C220 directed other units to enter and assist with searching the floors and basement.
Approximately 20 Urbana Fire Department personnel responded to the scene along with Arrow Ambulance and Urbana Police. Firefighters performed fire suppression operations, established water supply, searched the building for occupants, and ventilated the building. The fire was brought under control within approximately 25 minutes of arrival. Crews remained on scene for about one and a half hours conducting overhaul operations.
The Urbana Fire Department requested the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal to respond and conduct the investigation. Urbana Fire Department asks that anyone with additional information regarding this incident please call 217-384-2420. This incident remains under investigation at this time. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries during this incident.