Subject: Response to the Recent Fire at 974 W. State St.
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to share some thoughts and details regarding the fire that happened at 974 W. State St. in Sycamore last Wednesday evening. This is based on what I’ve gathered from the Daily Chronicle and some additional insights from Art Zern, who shared some valuable information about the incident.
Art mentioned that it was quite a challenging situation, especially considering the structure of the Collyers Mansion-style home. The fire was classified as a General Alarm fire, which indicates the severity of the situation. The firefighters had their hands full dealing with the intense flames, particularly because of the hazardous interior conditions. Additionally, the limited space on the second floor—only allowing three firefighters to operate at a time—made the job even more difficult. Despite these challenges, the team managed to bring the fire under control within approximately 30 minutes. Art noted that this was an impressive feat given the circumstances.
According to excerpts from the Daily-Chronicle.com, the fire initially broke out in the attic of the two-story home. By the time firefighters arrived, smoke was clearly visible, prompting immediate action. Neighbors had already alerted the authorities, and luckily, the residents were safely outside when the crews arrived. No injuries were reported, but the damage to the property was significant. The estimated cost of the damages reached around $40,000, primarily due to the fire, smoke, and water damage. Unfortunately, the home became uninhabitable, leaving the homeowner, Larry Smith, and his family uncertain about where they would spend the night.
Larry, who was renovating the house alongside his wife and son, mentioned that they had recently completed the roof and installed new windows. While they are still investigating the exact cause of the fire, it seems to have originated near a second-floor bedroom and hallway. The family expressed their gratitude for the quick response from the Sycamore Fire Department, which was supported by assistance from neighboring departments including DeKalb, Cortland, Hinckley, and Genoa.
Attached are some images taken by Matthew Apgar, capturing the aftermath of the fire. These pictures highlight the extensive damage sustained by the home. It’s heartening to see how the community has come together to support the Smiths during this difficult time. I hope the family finds a solution soon so they can return to their home and continue with their renovation plans.
Take care,
[Your Name]
Fiber Glass Vacuum Insulation Panel
Nantong Ecotherm Insulations Co., Ltd , https://www.vactherm-insulation.com