Above / Naperville Fire Department media release details structure fire in a vacant structure in the 100 Block of West Fifth Avenue at Eagle Street. (PN File Photos are used to attract attention to public safety reports and information as a way to remind local residents that “keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.” The Naperville Fire Department appreciates residents who called 9-1-1. Whenever you see something suspicious, say sometime by calling 9-1-1.)
At 11:53PM on Mon., Dec. 30, 2019, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a 911 call from a resident stating she could see smoke and flames coming from a house on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Eagle Street.
A second call was received from a resident advising that flames were engulfing more than half of the structure and that the structure was currently being demolished.
A general alarm assignment was immediately dispatched to the location by PSAP. Truck Company 9 and Engine Company 3 arrived on the scene simultaneously within six minutes of receiving the call and reported heavy fire throughout the entire structure of the half-demolished, one-story single-family residence.
The first arriving company officer immediately confirmed that the structure was vacant and that no occupants were known to be in the building. The complete general alarm assignment consisted of three engine companies, two truck companies, one squad company, two ambulances, one rescue vehicle, and two battalion commanders for a total of 25 personnel that responded to the scene of the incident.
Companies initiated an aggressive, coordinated fire attack and extinguished the main body of fire within 15 minutes.
Extra time was taken to extinguish areas with smoldering in the basement and other areas of the structure. Crews
continued to perform salvage and overhaul operations for another thirty minutes after the main fire was extinguished.
No injuries to any residents or firefighters operating at the scene were reported during this incident.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and the area of origin determined to be in a fireplace that had not yet been demolished. A construction fence was already in place around the property allowing the area to be secured after extinguishment activities were completed.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Naperville Police Department. The Downers Grove and Warrenville fire agencies provided coverage at stations throughout the city while the incident was being managed.
Report submitted by James C. Kubinski, EMT-P, Bureau Chief – E.M.S., Naperville Fire Department.
