Structure Fire in the 200 Block of South Columbia St.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — At 3:22 a.m. on Friday (7/18/2025), Naperville's Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call reporting a possible fire in the attic of a single-family residence in the 200 block of South Columbia St., Naperville, Ill. ECC immediately dispatched a General Alarm assignment consisting of 24 responding personnel to the reported location. A General Alarm assignment consisting of three engine companies, two ladder trucks, one heavy rescue squad, two medic units, and two battalion commanders were dispatched to the scene. 

At 3:35 a.m., Naperville Engine Company 1 arrived on the scene and reported no obvious fire showing, but noticed a smell of burning in the area. First-arriving companies completed a 360-degree survey of the structure, provided an on-scene report, established command and began to investigate. Engine 1 entered the structure to investigate and found a working fire in the unfinished attic of the resident. Fire Department companies began immediate suppression efforts, stretching a hose line to the attic to contain and extinguish the fire.

Fire department personnel deployed a hose line to the seat of the fire and were able to fully extinguish the fire within 15 minutes of arrival. Companies remained on the scene for an additional 90 minutes to assist with recovering the occupant’s belongings and conduct overhaul operations. 

The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police Department and the City of Naperville's Transportation and Engineering Department. The cause of the fire is under investigation and is undetermined at this time. Damages to the residence are estimated at $75,000. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters as a result of this incident. The residence was deemed uninhabitable, displacing three occupants who were home at the time of the fire.

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.