Overnight structure fire in 700 Block of 24W 75th Street was reported by numerous callers, caused estimated $300,000 in damages. (PN file photos are used to help flag stories related to Naperville Police and Fire Department responses to investigations and emergency calls, always reminding readers that keeping the community safe is everyone’s responsibility. Thanks always for calling 911 whenever necessary to report something that seems suspicious or unsafe. Be alert by day and by night. Stay safe.)
At 3:41AM on Mon., June 3, 2024, Naperville’s Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call reporting an outside smoke investigation in the area of 75th St. and Wehrli Road. ECC dispatched a single engine to the 75th and Wehrli area to investigate.
Multiple callers began reporting that they saw fire in the area. Naperville Engine 2 arrived on the scene, reported a fully involved structure fire, and requested ECC upgrade the call to a general alarm at 3:51AM.
A general alarm assignment consists of three engines, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue squad, two medic units, and two battalion commanders. Engine 2 reported a large, wood-framed, vacant, single-family residence in the 700 block of 24W. 75th St.
First-arriving companies completed a 360-degree survey of the structure, provided an on-scene report, established command, and began fire operations. Engine 2 also reported restricted access due to heavy overgrowth of trees and brush surrounding the home.
Due to the heavy fire on all floors and through the roof of the structure as well as the limited access, companies on scene began defensive operations consisting of multiple large-diameter handlines and an aerial master stream placed into service.
Fire companies used multiple lines in a coordinated effort to bring the fire under control within 90 minutes of the initial alarm. Companies remained on the scene for another three hours to extinguish remaining spot fires and conduct overhaul operations.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, Commonwealth Edison, and the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District. The Aurora 700 Block of 24W. 75th St. 700 Block of 24W 75th St. Fire Department and Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District provided Station coverage for Naperville During the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Naperville Fire Department’s investigations team.
Damages to the home are estimated at $300,000. There was one minor injury to a firefighter who was evaluated and released. The house was deemed to be uninhabitable.
Report submitted by Phil Giannattasio, Deputy Chief, for the Naperville Fire Department.