Above / Naperville Fire Department responds to morning structure fire in the 800 block of Paisley Court, south of Odgen Avenue between Route 59 and Fort Hill Road. (PN File Photo)
At 05:20 hours (5:20AM) on Friday January 13, 2017, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a 911 call from a resident from the 800 block of Shandrew Drive reporting flames seen from a row of townhomes under construction. A General Alarm assignment was dispatched to the area of Ogden Avenue and Shandrew Drive for the possible structure fire. The General Alarm response brought 11 pieces of fire apparatus and 25 fire personnel to the scene.
The first unit arrived on scene at 05:26AM reported fire showing from a third floor of a row of townhomes under construction. Fire attack was initiated by the first-arriving engine, medic, and truck companies and a water source was secured. The fire was located in the middle row of townhomes under construction on the third floor. The fire was quickly extinguished and confined to the area of origin.
Upon the arrival of additional fire companies, salvage and overhaul operations were performed. No civilian injuries were reported. An inspector from Naperville’s Transportation Engineering and Development (TED) was also notified.
The cause of the fire was determined to be from a propane fed heating salamander (portable forced-air or convection heaters often used this time of year in ventilated areas for warming comfort on construction sites) found on the third floor of the townhouse under construction. Fire units on the scene found two sheets of plywood covering the window had fallen making contact with the salamander.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Aurora Fire Department and the Naperville Police Department. The Plainfield Fire Protection District provided coverage for Naperville Fire Station 7 during this incident. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
Story submitted by Tom Moran, Bureau Chief of Training, Naperville Fire Department.
