Apartment Fire in 700 Block of Royal St. George Drive

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — At 4:19 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023, Naperville's Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received an activated fire alarm at a seven-story residential occupancy in the 700 block of Royal St. George Dr. PSAP immediately dispatched a general alarm response. A general alarm assignment consists of three engines, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue squad, two medic units, and two battalion commanders.

The first unit arrived on the scene at 4:24 p.m., where they found a seven-story residential structure with light smoke showing from the sixth floor of the structure. First-arriving companies began an investigation into the alarm and were alerted to a possible fire on the sixth floor. Companies deployed high-rise packs and hoses and rapidly ascended to the fire floor. Crews confirmed the fire in the unit's kitchen, and command upgraded the alarm to the box alarm level. The upgrade brought additional companies to the scene and additional companies to backfill Naperville fire stations.

Companies on the scene were able to bring the fire under control and begin overhaul and salvage operations within 20 minutes of arrival, confining the fire to the unit of origin. Crews on the scene confirmed that three occupants from the fire unit had exited the building before NFD's arrival. Primary and secondary searches were conducted, and no additional unit occupants were found. Fire crews remained on the scene for 60 minutes to look for any fire extension and assist the homeowners. Residents from the occupancy stated they were able to pull the fire alarm as they exited the building, alerting the rest of the occupants.

The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department; the Naperville Transportation, Engineering and Development team; Nicor; and the Naperville Electric Department. Mutual aid companies from the Oswego Fire Protection District, the Warrenville Fire Protection District, the Winfield Fire Protection District and the North Aurora Fire Department assisted the Naperville Fire Department with station coverage. The cause of the fire was cooking materials on the stove, which spread to other areas of the kitchen. Damages to the unit are estimated at $25,000. One patient was evaluated by Naperville Fire Department and released, and there were no injuries to firefighters. The fire unit was deemed uninhabitable; however, the rest of the complex was able to be reoccupied.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 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.