Extra-Alarm Apartment Fire on Palm Drive Mount Prospect (CARDINAL NEWS, 17-minute video). YouTube Tips ⓘ
An extra-alarm fire displaced about 100 people Monday night when their living units were destroyed by the fire, smoke and water damage. No civilian injuries were report, but a firefighter suffered an injury initially believed to be minor.
Police, firefighters, and paramedics from Mount Prospect responded about 6:41 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2024 to an apartment fire at the Orion Parkview Apartments in the block of 1800 West Palm Drive in Mount Prospect. The call initially came in as an activated fire alarm, but was quickly upgraded to a confirmed fire when the fire department received 9-1-1 calls reporting smoke showing.
First arriving units were on the scene within three minutes and noted heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof. Crews initiated a primary search and interior attack of the 3rd floor and were met with heavy smoke and high heat. Interior conditions quickly deteriorated, and at approximately 7:30 p.m., all fire companies were ordered out of the building and defensive operations (exterior attacks on the fire) were initiated.
Due to the hot weather conditions and anticipated extended operations, fire command upgraded to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) 3rd Alarm, which brought in over 30 fire and EMS units from surrounding communities. The design of the building with a Mansard Roof made the fire very difficult to extinguish from outside the structure.
Firefighters used elevated master streams and RAM streams from the ground, and the fire was reported under control at approximately 3:15 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Approximately 100 individuals were displaced from the apartment building, but with the assistance of the Red Cross and the Village of Mount Prospect Human Services Department, all have a safe place to stay. Mount Prospect CERT and Salvation Army also responded to the scene and assisted both residents and first responders. The Mount Prospect Public Works Department was instrumental in ensuring sufficient water volume and pressure as well as providing fuel for apparatus working throughout the evening, according to the Villag of Mount Prospect.
“This was a perfect storm of operational challenges presented to responding firefighters,” stated Village Manager Michael Cassady. “The heat, mansard roof design and excessive smoke made for very difficult conditions. Our firefighters did an exceptional job containing the fire. It was heartening to see the immediate response from Village team members from Building and Inspection Services, Human Services, Public Works and Police to provide much-needed support to displaced residents. As always, they performed with grace and consideration of our residents who had lost so much,” said Cassady.
Mount Prospect police officers were observed politely and effectively guiding residents to safety and assistance while firefighters were working to extinguish the fire. Police officers were seen reminding people not to stand in the smoke that hugged the ground at times.
Wind was also a factor with the National Weather Service station at O’Hare reporting south winds at 14 MPH with gusts to 28 MPH at 6:51 p.m. Wind gusts diminished during the 7:51 p.m. and 8:51 p.m. report but wind gusts returned in the reports from 9:51 p.m. to 2:51 a.m.
Air temperature at 6:51 p.m. was 93.9°F with a Heat Index of 98°F. Air temperature was 81°F at 2:51 a.m. with a Heat Index of 84°F.
Relative Humidity at 6:51 p.m. was 41%. Relative Humidity at 2:51 a.m. was 67%.
Smoke behavior was thick and often hugged the ground like ground fog, while aerial smoke was carried away briskly by gusty winds. Smoke was especially thick across Golf Road, and was also thick in the area of the smoke pattern that was blown near the intersection of Busse Road and Lincoln Street and Randhurst — even as late as midnight Monday/Tuesday.
Many residents in Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect were curious about the source of the smoke.
Interview with neighbor Maaz Khalid at Mount Prospect extra-alarm apartment fire on Monday, June 17, 2024 (CARDINAL NEWS). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Based on reports from initial fire companies, the fire likely started in the cockloft or small attic space, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The structure needs to be assessed by building engineers before any personnel can enter to begin the investigation, according to the Village of Mount Prospect. The 36-unit apartment building is expected to be a total loss. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene.
“Tenants were alerted by a fire alarm and police officers and were able to evacuate the building,” said Chief John Dolan. One tenant had to be rescued from a balcony when he ran back into the burning structure for personal belongings. “It is very important residents of all types of homes have an escape plan, and once out safely, not reenter the structure for any reason. Crews from all responding departments and agencies did a tremendous job on a very stubborn and difficult fire.”
For more information on fire safety in the home, the Village of Mount Prospect recommended contacting the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-818-5253.
INITIAL REPORTS …
Police, firefighters and paramedics from Mount Prospect responded about 6:41 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2024 to a report of an apartment fire at 1852 Palm Drive in Mount Prospect.
A MABAS Division 1 Box Alarm was activated from 1st then 2nd then 3rd alarm.
Fire is through the roof.
The fire is not under control at 9:10 p.m.
No known injuries, but not confirmed by authorities.
Thumbnails below DO NOT play back …
The information in this article is an early report published before any summary information was confirmed or released by police or fire authorities.
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