A 27-year-old woman and her unborn baby died Wednesday evening following a fire in their home in Mt. Morris.
The woman, who has yet to be named, was found on kitchen floor in the single-story home at 206 S. Hannah Avenue.
Mt. Morris Fire Chief Rob Hough IV said the Ogle County 911 center received multiple calls at 4:29 p.m. for smoke coming from the residence.
Mt. Morris firefighters arrived on scene and saw heavy smoke venting from the roof and eaves.
"Smoke detectors could be heard sounding from the exterior of the residence," Hough said in a press release on Thursday. "Reports from Dispatch and neighbors were that a resident was likely still inside."
Hough said firefighters found heavy smoke and heat as they entered the structure.
"While extinguishing the fire and searching the residence for life, a female victim was found on the floor in the kitchen and was quickly removed from the residence to awaiting EMS crews," he said. "Despite life saving measures, the 27-year-old pregnant female was pronounced deceased at the scene."
Hough said the fire was extinguished by 5:10 p.m., but firefighters remained on scene performing salvage and overhaul of the structure until approximately 11 p.m. Most mutual aid companies were released by 6 p.m.
"The structure in uninhabitable at this time with initial damage estimates to the building are $125,000. This estimate is including any of the resident’s personal contents," he said. "Mt. Morris Police, Mt. Morris Fire, Office of the State Fire Marshal and Ogle County Sheriff and Coroner’s Office are performing a joint investigation. The investigation is still ongoing. An autopsy is scheduled on the deceased later in the week."
Additional assistance at the scene was provided by Byron, Dixon Rural, Forreston, German Valley, Leaf River, Oregon, Polo, and Stillman.
"The District wishes o extend its heartfelt condolences to the family on their loss," Hough said.