Woman Dead After New Year's Eve Fire
By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: January 1, 2013
WEST PEORIA- One person is dead after a New Years Eve fire razed a West Peoria Home.
Relatives of the resident spent this morning cleaning out from behind the charred walls, salvaging whatever they could find. Firefighters said the home, located in the 2000 block of West Heading Avenue is a total loss.
Crews were called to the home just before 9:30 Monday night. A body was discovered inside after the blaze had been extinguished.
Authorities believe it could be 95-year-old Betty Kemp, the homeowner. Neighbor Liza Berner said it's a tragic way for the family to begin the new year.
"Oh it's just horrible. I mean, she was the nicest woman. She was, I think 95 years old, just friendly and it's just horrible. Just a horrible tragedy," Berner said.
The Peoria County coroner said an autopsy is planned for Wednesday afternoon. The West Peoria Fire Department, Peoria County Sheriff and the Peoria County Coroner are investigating.
Relatives of the resident spent this morning cleaning out from behind the charred walls, salvaging whatever they could find. Firefighters said the home, located in the 2000 block of West Heading Avenue is a total loss.
Crews were called to the home just before 9:30 Monday night. A body was discovered inside after the blaze had been extinguished.
Authorities believe it could be 95-year-old Betty Kemp, the homeowner. Neighbor Liza Berner said it's a tragic way for the family to begin the new year.
"Oh it's just horrible. I mean, she was the nicest woman. She was, I think 95 years old, just friendly and it's just horrible. Just a horrible tragedy," Berner said.
The Peoria County coroner said an autopsy is planned for Wednesday afternoon. The West Peoria Fire Department, Peoria County Sheriff and the Peoria County Coroner are investigating.
