Structure Fire in the 300 Block of North Avenue

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — At 4:47 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, Naperville's Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a phone call for a smoke investigation for a residential structure in the 300 block of North Avenue. PSAP dispatched a full still response of two engines, one truck company, one medic company, and two battalion commanders to the scene.

Engine 1 arrived on the scene at 4:52 a.m., where they found a two-story, balloon-framed, multi-tenant residential structure with fire showing from the front of the building on the second floor. Engine 1 immediately upgraded the response to a general alarm. A general alarm assignment consists of three engines, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue squad, two medic units and two battalion commanders.

First-arriving companies completed a 360-degree survey of the occupancy and pulled a hose line to the second floor. Companies began an aggressive interior attack on the fire, darkening down the involved rooms and confining the fire to the second floor. Seven occupants were found; one occupant was rescued by firefighters and cleared from the building. The rest of the occupants were able to self-evacuate the building upon the fire department's arrival.

Companies on the scene utilized a coordinated attack to bring the fire under control within 10 minutes of arrival and began overhaul and salvage operations. Primary and secondary searches were conducted, and no additional occupants were found. Fire crews remained on the scene for an additional 60 minutes performing overhaul and salvage operations.

The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department; the Naperville Transportation, Engineering and Development team; NICOR; the Naperville Electric Department; and
the American Red Cross. The Wheaton Fire Protection District and the Warrenville Fire Protection District provided Station Coverage for the duration of the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
No injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported. The building unit was deemed uninhabitable by the Naperville Transportation, Engineering, and Development Department.

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.