Wednesday evening brought a significant fire incident to Salerno’s on the Fox, a beloved restaurant located at 320 N. 2nd Street in St. Charles. The St. Charles Fire Department quickly responded to what turned into a 2nd Alarm situation. For those looking for more details, the Chicago Sun-Times has covered the story [here], and the Chicago Tribune offers another perspective [here].
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the fire. Fire Chief Patrick Mullen stated that the alarm was raised at 5:24 p.m., with visible smoke originating from the rear of the single-story establishment. According to Chief Mullen, the suspected source of the blaze appeared to be near the gas meters, which he described as a "blow-torch." Firefighters from ten neighboring departments joined forces to combat the stubborn flames, which were fueled by a ruptured natural gas line.
John Tulipano captured several compelling images of the firefighting effort, showcasing the impressive array of apparatus that arrived on the scene. One of the first responders was St. Charles Engine 103, which was stationed on a nearby hydrant. Its presence was crucial in managing the intense heat and smoke. Geneva also dispatched two vehicles—a Pierce Snorkel Truck 206 and a Pierce Enforcer Engine 208—both of which were strategically positioned close to the restaurant. Elburn & Countryside Engine 302, a Spartan/Alexis top-mount vehicle, was also part of the staging lineup. Batavia contributed resources as well, sending both their Truck 1, a Pierce Dash tower ladder, and Engine 2, a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT. Additionally, the newly formed Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue Department mobilized Engine 1823, a 1992 Spartan/Alexis 1,250-GPM engine, which had been relocated from North Park, Illinois.
Despite the coordinated efforts of these various departments, Batavia's Truck 1 remained on standby, unused but ready if needed. It was clear that the situation demanded a comprehensive response, and the firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire before it could spread further. John Tulipano’s photos provide a vivid glimpse into the intensity of the scene, capturing both the urgency of the moment and the professionalism of the emergency responders.
For those interested in more visuals, John has shared additional photographs [here]. This fire serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community cooperation in ensuring public safety. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the swift actions of the firefighters undoubtedly prevented a much larger disaster.
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