Window frame charred where first fire units reported flames showing at 1176 South Parkside Drive.
Palatine firefighter/paramedics responded at 10:27 a.m. Saturday to 1176 South Parkside Drive to a report of smoke in the townhouse after a possible lightning strike. The first fire unit on the scene within five minutes reported flames and smoke showing out a front, second-floor front window of the townhouse. The first crew pulled a 1 ¾” hose line to attack the fire, while conducting a search for occupants. Other crews arriving on the scene pulled an additional hose line, secured a water supply, laddered the building’s roof, ventilated smoke and fire gases and provided emergency medical stand-by. The fire was stopped and declared under control by firefighters 23 minutes.
Fourteen members of the Palatine Fire Department along with crews from the Rolling Meadows Fire Department, Hoffman Estates Fire Department, and the Palatine Rural Fire District responded to the scene, staffing five engines, two ladder trucks, and two ambulances. Two command officers and two fire investigator also responded. Palatine Police were on scene providing traffic control.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and damage estimates are not yet available.
Palatine firefighters also responded to several fire alarms during the storm, including Little City. Firefighters were also on paramedic standby for a barricade situation in a townhouse in the 600 block of East Thornhill Lane.
Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Palatine Rural firefighters assisted Palatine firefighters either at the scene or covering other calls in Palatine.
No injuries reported.
The Palatine Fire Department stresses the importance of making sure all residents have a working smoke detector. Batteries in smoke detectors should be changed twice yearly and families should plan together on what to do if they have a fire in their home or apartment.
Fire scene at 1176 South Parkside Drive in Palatine after lightning strike cause a fire.