Above / PN file photos are used to help flag reports about Naperville Fire Department responses to emergency calls and to remind readers that keeping the community safe is everyone’s responsibility. Be alert.
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — At 2:51PM on Thursday afternoon (1/25/2018), Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a 911 call from a resident reporting heavy black smoke coming from an unknown unit on the first floor of a three story apartment building. PSAP immediately dispatched a general alarm assignment bringing 3 engine companies, 2 truck companies, 1 squad company, 2 ambulances, 1 alternate response vehicle, and 2 incident commanders to the scene. A total of 25 personnel responded to the incident.
Medic Company 4 was first on the scene, within four minutes, reporting heavy smoke coming from the first floor entrance of the apartment building. Engine Company 4 arrived two minutes later and immediately began an aggressive attack of the fire located in the kitchen of a first floor unit.
Crews searched for any potential trapped victims in multiple units throughout the building, checked for fire extension into adjacent areas, and secured a water supply during their efforts to extinguish the fire. The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes of arrival on the scene and crews continued working on the scene performing salvage and overhaul operations for approximately 90 minutes.
Two adults and one child were displaced as a result of damage that occurred to the unit where the fire started. The American Red Cross assisted on the scene and was able to assist with placement of the affected family.
The cause of the fire was the result of unattended cooking and accidental in nature.
No reported injuries to firefighters or citizens, dog succumbed to smoke inhalation
There were no reported injuries to firefighters or citizens. One dog succumbed to smoke inhalation and injuries caused by the fire. Fire department personnel attempted to resuscitate the family pet by providing oxygen and first aid.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Naperville Police Department, Naperville Electric Department, Naperville Transportation, Engineering, & Development (TED) Group, and Warrenville Fire Department. The Downers Grove, Winfield, & Wheaton Fire agencies provided station coverage during this incident.
Report submitted by James C. Kubinski, EMT-P, Bureau Chief – E.M.S., Naperville Fire Department.
