10/3/23 8:11 p.m.
On Tuesday night, an Illini-Alert reported a fire at 1402 S. First St., the location of Memorial Stadium. Individuals in or near the location are advised to leave immediately. The fire was originally reported at approximately 8:03 p.m. and firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
At 8:12 p.m., the University of Illinois Police Department closed Kirby Avenue in response to the two-alarm fire.
10/3/23 8:21 p.m.
The fireground reported that the fire was mostly put out. Units said it seemed as though a piece of lawn equipment had caught fire, but the exact cause of the incident is still unknown.
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10/3/23 8:25 p.m.
Firefighters could be seen walking across the field at Memorial Stadium.
10/3/23 8:28 p.m.
Another Illini-Alert reported that fire was put out, although fire crews remain on the scene. Advisory to avoid the area remains. At 8:29 p.m., two firefighters with the Champaign Fire Department declined to comment on the situation.
10/3/23 9:01 p.m.
A third Illini-Alert reported that it is safe to resume normal activities, but that fire crews will remain on the scene. No further update on the cause of the fire was provided.
10/3/23 9:33 p.m.
According to a statement from Brett Moore, assistant director for athletic communications at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, the fire was contained to the southwest corner of the stadium, “away from spectator areas.”
The release also said there were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.
According to Moore, the DIA still plans to host the football team’s upcoming home game against Nebraska at the stadium on Friday.
“DIA will continue to evaluate the facility over the course of the next day,” the statement said. “Early indications are positive that the stadium will be prepared to host the game, as scheduled and without interruption of seating or services, for the game on Friday.”
10/3/23 11:37 p.m.
According to a statement from the City of Champaign, the fire originated under the south end zone. Fire crews were dispatched in response to the stadium’s automatic fire alarm.
“Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and located the fire in the maintenance area, where groundskeeping equipment is stored,” said Randy Smith, public information officer at the City of Champaign. “Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire.”
One firefighter with minor injuries was treated on the scene and transported to a local hospital.
The investigation to determine the cause of the fire remains ongoing, the statement added.
