THE REGISTER-MAIL
Reprinted with Permission

GALESBURG — Officials have confirmed a fatality in this morning's fire at Econo-Inn, but no other details are being released at this time.

Fire erupted in the Galesburg hotel early this morning, causing major damage to the concrete structure.

Fire Chief John Cratty said while the structure is concrete, the roof joists are wood and the fire got into the attic and spread rapidly.

Almost the entire second story and roof are gone.

Firefighters split into two crews, one fighting the blaze and one evacuating the building; 17 rooms were occupied.

Asked if everyone made it out safely, Cratty said, "We do not know at this point."

Firefighters were conducting a secondary search about 6:20 a.m. and putting out hot spots. Flames were still visible in some areas at the time.

Another shift of firefighters was called back to duty, and crews from Knoxville and Abingdon were called in to provide protection for the rest of the community.

Firefighters expected to be on the scene all day. While he wouldn't say yet the hotel was destroyed, Cratty said it was a "substantial loss."

The owner was on the scene, but said, "I am too upset right now" to talk.

No firefighters were injured.