On Sunday, November 30, 2025, Thanksgiving weekend ended with firefighters responding to reports of a fire at Churchill Towers, a high-rise apartment building in Danville. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the fourth and fifth floor windows and could see people trapped on the upper floors, unable to exit safely on their own. Danville firefighters and police officers began rescuing people, removing 32 people in total. EMS arrived on the scene to offer medical care and transport, and at least two people are still hospitalized.
Many questions remain, including the cause of the fire, which is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. In addition, an ongoing investigation is assessing the full extent of the damage, including the building’s structure, common areas, and individual units. As these investigations continue, the number and nature of potential claims, such as serious injury, property damage, and displacement, will evolve.
If a property owner’s negligence caused this tragedy, those affected could have legal rights under Illinois’ premises liability law and be entitled to compensation. Our team at Spiros Law can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and handle any interactions with the insurance company on your behalf.
Common Examples of Fire Safety Negligence
In the event of an apartment building fire, it’s possible that negligent property owners can be held accountable, depending on the circumstances. The most common types of fire safety negligence include:
- Not having fire extinguishers readily accessible
- Lack of fire alarms
- Broken smoke detectors
- Lack of water sprinkler systems or faulty sprinklers
- Improperly installed wiring
- Failure to ensure escape routes are in place and functional
- Building code violations
When landlords, property owners, or other parties fail to keep residents safe, understanding how you can protect your rights is the first step. Undoubtedly, this is why having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side is vital. At Spiros Law, our team is dedicated to guiding you through this process as you recover from the negligent acts of those responsible.
Your Recovery Starts Here – Trust The Fire Injury Lawyers at Spiros Law
Fire is one of the most destructive forces, whether it is sparked by natural causes or due to another person’s negligence. An uncontrolled blaze can consume an entire home in moments, causing you to lose many aspects of your life in a single night. Like the recent victims in the Churchill Towers apartment building in Danville, you may not have a place to live anymore.
Serious injuries from a fire can extend well beyond the flames. Smoke inhalation is responsible for more deaths than flames, resulting in asphyxiation and sometimes poisoning. Additionally, burn injuries can be debilitating and disfiguring, and they may require prolonged hospitalization or lifelong wounds.
The road to recovery can be challenging, but seeking legal help can offer the support you need to secure compensation for your injuries and personal losses. A trusted personal injury attorney fights for fair compensation and justice while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
If you believe you may have a personal injury case under premises liability law, contact the fire injury attorneys at Spiros Law. Our team is ready to fight for victims throughout Illinois, with offices located in Danville, Kankakee, and Champaign.
