Above / To help convey the message that keeping the community safe is everybody’s responsibility, photos of Naperville emergency vehicles are used to attract attention to stories regarding public safety. (PN File Photo)
At 5:20AM today, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a call for smoke inside a commercial building in the 400 block of Fort Hill Drive at which time a full-still response was dispatched.
Immediately after the initial 911 call PSAP received an automatic fire alarm for this address as well. The alarm was quickly upgraded to a general alarm assignment after a 911 call from within the building reporting a fire. The general alarm brought 10 pieces of fire apparatus and 24 fire personnel to the scene. Initial units arrived on scene within five minutes, reported nothing showing from the exterior of the building, and confirmed that all occupants were out of the structure. Fire crews gained entry through the employee entrance and upon investigation, found a fire in a vending machine.
There was a sprinkler head directly over the vending machine which kept the fire in the room of origin. Fire companies extinguished the fire with a hose line and once fire was out, the sprinkler system was shut down.
Other companies performed ventilation operations, water removal, and salvage and overhaul.
The fire was considered accidental in nature. Building management was on the scene and took possession of the building. The Naperville Fire Department credits the presence of automatic fire sprinklers and the building’s fire alarm system for the quick notification and extinguishment of the fire. These systems played a significant role in the positive outcome and minimal disruption of business.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department, Aurora Fire Department engine company and fan boat, which was utilized to evacuate smoke from the large warehouse.
There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Station coverage was provided by Warrenville Fire Protection District.
Report submitted by Scott Salela, Division Chief, Naperville Fire Department.
