SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Before 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th, firefighters at the Springfield Fire Department responded to a call for a fire at a multi-family home at 479 Central Street in Springfield.

When crews arrived, they had noticed flames shooting from the windows of the home. When crews began their attack of the fire, they had also spotted a teenager and an infant trapped inside the home, both of them were rescued safely.

The fire was quickly put out and without any injuries. 8 people were displaced as a result of the fire and are currently being assisted by the Springfield American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad.

Illinois transportation and law enforcement officials are reminding drivers to make safe choices during the busy Independence Day holiday travel period.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies have launched the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs through the early morning hours of July 6.

According to provisional IDOT data, Illinois recorded 17 fatal crashes and 18 traffic deaths during last year’s Independence Day holiday travel period. Four of those crashes involved drivers who had been drinking.

In addition to looking for impaired drivers, officers across the state will be increasing enforcement of seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving laws.

Officials encourage anyone planning to drink alcohol or use cannabis to arrange for a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where they are instead of getting behind the wheel.

In Illinois, new legislation is designed to keep the cannabis market safe and growing.

Senate Bill 3222 prohibits the sale of certain intoxicating hemp products to anyone under 21.
Beginning in November, some products will be required to have child-proof packaging.
Misleading marketing and packaging will be banned. The law also allows all Illinois cannabis retailers to register as medical dispensaries and allows curbside and drive-thru pickup until 2:00 a.m. for all customers. The law also expands conditions to qualify for a medical card, which can now be certified through telehealth.

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