Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and Libertyville firefighters responded about 2:18 AM Sunday, February 24, 2019 to a report of a possible structure fire at the intersection of Rockland Road (Route 176) and Skokie Highway (US 41). Lake Bluff Engine 4519 was promptly en route with a six-man crew. As Engine 4519 was pulling out of the fire station, dispatch automatically upgraded the call to a “Code 4” (confirmed working structure fire), according to Lake Bluff Fire and Rescue.
Engine 4519 was first on scene of a medium, two-story commercial building, known as Loverly Cottage — a boutique antique furniture store at 5 Skokie Valley Road, just northeast of Rockland Road (Route 176) and Skokie Highway (US 41). Engine 4519’s crew reported heavy fire showing through the roof, and notified dispatch that the fire incident was a Lake Forest call in Knollwood’s district.
Lake Bluff crews led out two lines to the opposite sides of the building. After a brief exterior attack, crews transitioned interior to knock the fire. Lake Forest Squad 421 was second on scene, and the squad crew quickly established a water supply to Engine 4519 and assisted with fire suppression.
Libertyville Quint 463 crews assisted with the interior attack while also strategically placing their ladder to aid with extinguishment. Lake Forest’s Battalion 42 (shift commander), arrived on scene and assumed incident command. Limited access to the building and questionable structural integrity of the second floor made fire suppression difficult.
A MABAS Box Alarm (#42-1) was activated at 2:57 a.m. by Lake Forest Fire Department to bring more mutual aid companies to the scene. Firefighters from Great Lakes, Highland Park, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Mundelein, and Northbrook were assigned to the Box Alarm. Chiefs from Countryside and North Chicago were also assigned to the scene. Newport and Buffalo Grove firefighter/paramedics also stood by in Lake Forest Fire Station 2. Mundelein and Deerfield firefighters also provided station coverage at the Lake Bluff fire station.
Firefighting operations continued through the early morning hours. Despite the quick response and coordinated, professional firefighting efforts, the structure sustained heavy damage, according to Lake Bluff Fire and Rescue. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Loverly Cottage is located in a recently rehabbed building that was previously a restaurant/bar and outdoor beer garden, known as Hogs.
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