I just got some photos and details from Stephen Wilcox about another fire that happened last month in western DuPage County (part of MABAS Division 12). This one took place on June 17th at 4:47 AM at a house located at 419 N. Ellis. The structure dates back to around 1900 and has a balloon frame, lath and plaster interior, along with knob-and-tube electrical wiring—definitely not the safest combination. When firefighters arrived, it was warm and humid out, and the fire had already spread to all floors and into the attic. Neighbors were concerned that there might still be someone inside, which added urgency to the situation.
The response required an extra alarm due to the complexity of the fire and its widespread impact. Multiple handlines and six ground ladders were deployed to tackle the blaze. Luckily, the family was away in the Far East at the time.
One of the photos shows the initial stages of firefighting efforts, where firefighters began ventilation work on the side of the house while others prepared to enter through the front. In another shot, you can see Wheaton's Truck Company 417 hard at work opening up the roof to help control the fire. There’s also an image capturing a West Chicago firefighter climbing a ladder to clear a second-floor window, preparing to enter and search for any occupants—a critical step in firefighting called "VENT, ENTER, SEARCH."
Another photo highlights the intense effort involved as firefighters worked tirelessly under challenging conditions. As dawn broke, the contrast between the sunrise illuminating the relatively small residential fire scene and the towering Wheaton Center in the background became strikingly apparent. It really puts things into perspective.
The final photo captures the aftermath, showing members beginning cleanup operations as daylight illuminated the surrounding area. It’s clear from the images that the fire originated near the base of the staircase, which helped accelerate its rapid spread throughout the home.
It’s always sobering to see how quickly fires can escalate, especially in older buildings with outdated systems. Kudos to everyone involved for their swift action and dedication to public safety!
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