NASHVILLE, IL — At approximately 10:30 p.m., first responders were dispatched to the Village Apartments, located at the intersection of N Hoffman Street and E Legion Drive in Nashville.

A temporary shelter has been established to support those affected. Transportation of residents is currently underway, and the Red Cross has been requested to assist both emergency personnel and displaced residents. At least eight residents have been transported via shuttle to a Red Cross-staffed shelter here in Nashville. Additional residents were safely picked up by family and loved ones.

The fire has been extinguished, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal has been called to the scene to begin the investigation. At least two individuals were transported by EMS for medical evaluation. Due to the scale of the response, please give emergency crews ample space to operate and use alternate routes if possible. We understand this is a very stressful time, particularly for families, and we urge the public to avoid the area until further notice. This response would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of first responders. Many are volunteers — neighbors, friends, family. They showed up in the middle of the night, ready to help, and they made a difference. A special thank you to Washington County Telecommunications. The dispatchers are the first link in the chain of response, and their coordination is vital in incidents like these.

For more information, please contact the Washington County EMA office at 618-327-4800 ext. 345.