Peoria Family Displaced After South Side House Fire

Estimated $75,000 in damage caused by accidental electrical fire

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A fire on Sunday in South Peoria caused an estimated $75,000 in damage to a home and displaced a family of four who lived there, according to the Peoria Fire Department. Firefighters responded to heavy smoke and fire coming from the second floor, and the family was safely out of the house before they arrived. The fire was determined to be accidental, caused by an electrical problem, and the American Red Cross is assisting the family in finding alternative housing.

Why it matters

House fires can have devastating impacts on families, causing significant property damage and displacement. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety, the need for proper electrical maintenance, and the role of community organizations like the Red Cross in supporting families in crisis.

The details

Firefighters responded to the fire in the 2900 block of West Montana Street around 1:40 p.m. on Sunday. The family of four was eating lunch when they smelled smoke and safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. Firefighters cut a hole in the roof to ventilate the heat and smoke from the attic. The fire department determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical problem, and estimated the damage at $75,000.

  • The fire call came in around 1:40 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Peoria Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and investigated the house fire.

Stephen Rada

Battalion Chief with the Peoria Fire Department who provided details about the fire.

American Red Cross

The organization assisting the displaced family in finding alternative housing.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of fire safety and proper electrical maintenance in homes to prevent devastating property damage and displacement of families. The response of the Peoria Fire Department and the support of the Red Cross also highlight the critical role of community organizations in helping families recover from such crises.