Real emergency postpones Underwood training exercise
A simulated emergency training exercise scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, in Underwood turned into the real thing before it could even begin.
The event was organized to broaden the training opportunities available to first responders from across McLean County.
Coordinated by Grey Sky LLC, the exercise was set to provide participants with a realistic emergency scenario designed to strengthen communication, coordination and response skills.
However, just as participants gathered at Underwood City Hall and preparations were underway, severe weather moved through McLean County.
Moments later, a fire was reported in Coleharbor.
Rather than responding to a simulated emergency, nearly everyone assembled for the training immediately shifted into action, leaving Underwood to respond to the real emergency in Coleharbor.
At roughly 4:30 p.m. first responders were called out to the Eslinger Residence on the north side of Eighth Street Northwest after several McLean County residents had called in to report the fire.
According to the McLean County Calls of Service, when units arrived on the scene the home was engulfed in flames. There was damage to the surrounding trees, a downed powerline and a dislodged propane tank on the south side of the home.