Structure Fire in the 1100 Block of Iroquois Avenue

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — At 1:58 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a call from a monitoring company reporting an activated fire alarm in a multifamily residence in the 1100 block of Iroquois Avenue. Naperville’s PSAP dispatched Engine 1 and Squad 9 to investigate the alarm. While the units were en route, a call from the building manager reported heavy black smoke coming from unit 208. In addition, PSAP received several phone calls from residents reporting they were trapped on the second floor. Due to these calls and the complex being home to numerous physically disabled individuals, the alarm was upgraded to a MABAS Fire Box and MABAS EMS Box. This combined assignment consisted of 18 pieces of fire apparatus and 44 personnel, including an Incident Commander, Incident Safety Officer, and five ambulances, to the reported address.

At 2:05 p.m., the first vehicle arrived at the scene of the 2-story wood frame building and found nothing showing from the outside. As crews ascended to the second floor, they encountered heavy black smoke coming from unit 208. Fire crews simultaneously performed rescues while stretching hose lines. One individual was rescued from a second-floor window, while several others were evacuated or sheltered in unaffected areas of the building. At 2:27 p.m., the fire was deemed under control. A sprinkler head that activated in the fire unit assisted in keeping the fire from spreading to other areas. Fire companies remained on the scene for another 60 minutes to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. Six residential units were damaged and deemed uninhabitable due to the fire, causing four residents to become displaced. All four residents were able to be relocated within the building or with family members. Twenty-nine residents were in the building when the fire broke out.

The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Transportation, Engineering, and Development Team, Naperville Police, and Lisle Woodridge Fire Departments. Backfill of the stations was provided by the Aurora, Bolingbrook, Oswego, Plainfield, Warrenville, West Chicago, and Wheaton Fire Departments. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. There were no injuries to any occupants or firefighters while operating on the scene. The blaze is estimated to have caused $300,000 in damage.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.