Rowhouse Basement Fire on North Maple St Near Wood St, Palatine

Palatine Fire Department responded at 11:23 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2015 to a report of a basement fire at 145 N. Maple Street in Palatine. The first Palatine Fire Department crews arrived on the scene at 11:27 p.m., and reported smoke showing from the front door of a 3-story townhome. The first fire company entered the building to investigate while other firefighters pulled a hose line for fire suppression. An aggressive interior attack was made on the fire in the basement. Firefighters stretched a supply line to a fire hydrant and pulled a second hose line for fire suppression. Firefighters also performed search operations throughout the entire 3-story, smoke filled structure for any trapped occupants. Other fire crews laddered the building and provided emergency medical coverage. Firefighters also entered both adjoining townhomes to check for smoke and fire. The fire was declared under control at 11:38 p.m. Firefighters continued to ventilate smoke and gases and perform salvage and overhaul activities for some time following.

No civilians or firefighters were injured in the fire, which left the townhome uninhabitable, and displaced four occupants. Damage estimates were not available at the time of this release. The fire remains under investigation by Palatine Fire Department investigators.

The fire was fought by 23 firefighters, staffing three engines, two ladder trucks, one rescue squad and three ambulances which responded to the scene along with two command officers and two Fire Investigators. An ambulance from Long Grove Fire Protection District stood by in a Palatine fire station to provide coverage for any additional calls. Palatine Police officers assisted at the scene with traffic and crowd control.

The Palatine Fire Department reminds everyone to have working smoke detectors in their homes, whether a single-family dwelling, an apartment or a condo. Have an escape plan, practice it, and be prepared to use it in the event of any fire.

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