GODFREY — The Godfrey Fire Department responded to a structure fire Saturday morning, Jan. 31, 2026, in the 5000 block of Staten Drive that trapped an elderly woman inside the home, officials said.
The department received a 911 call at 9:41 a.m. Saturday, reporting the fire and the woman trapped inside. Three other residents inside the house managed to rescue the woman and move her across the street. During the rescue, a man suffered serious burns and was transported to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment, Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer said.
Firefighters initially attempted to enter the home but switched to a defensive approach after the conditions inside became too hazardous. Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion during the fire.
Godfrey Firefighters, Others, Battle Serious Blaze On Staten Drive
Because of the severity of the blaze, Godfrey called for mutual aid from the Alton, Brighton, Fosterburg, and East Alton Fire Departments.
“The temperature was 8 degrees during the fire, which made it tough on firefighters,” Godfrey Fire Chief Crammer said. “It was a chaotic scene when we first arrived, but our firefighters did a great job.”
The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
