Police, firefighters and paramedics from Arlington Heights responded about 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 to an Activated Fire Alarm at the Church Creek condominium retirement community at 1250 West Central Road in Arlington Heights. Security confirmed there was a fire by about 8:37 p.m., and the fire was upgraded to a reported fire call at the four-story building.
Firefighters upon arrival outside reported nothing showing from the exterior a four-story multi-family residential building. Interior firefighters discovered light smoke in a third floor hallway in the northeast corner of the building, and then discovered a fire in the ceiling of the third floor hallway. The fire was upgraded to a working fire “Code 4” about 8:44 p.m.
The fire was extinguished within a few minutes. There were no reported injuries, and no residents were displaced. Firefighters checked for extension to the fourth floor, and reported there was no fire extension. Firefighters declared the fire knocked by 8:57 p.m., and were working on overhaul and clean-up by about 8:58 p.m.
Firefighters from Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, and Rolling Meadows responded for mutual aid assistance at the scene of the fire.
Police and fire investigators worked together at the scene past midnight. In addition to investigation, police and fire investigators
Fire damage was estimated about $15,000. There was no structural damage caused by the fire.
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While the cause of the fire pinpointed to the location of the ceiling LED light fixture was not determined or was not released, there are safety practices to consider with LED light bulbs and fixtures.
One significant safety concern with LED lights is making sure that LED lights aren’t designed to be installed in enclosures are not installed in enclosures, such as coach lights or EXIT signs. LED lights generate heat during operation, and if the heat is not dissipated properly, overheating can damage the LED components, such as the diodes, capacitors, and other electronic components, and potentially cause a fire. In general, LED light bulbs generate less heat than incandescent bulb, but higher heat can be generated near the electronic components in LED bulbs that aren’t designed to be installed in enclosures.
Overloading circuits involving LED lights can also lead to overheating and fires.
Use of LED bulbs that have been damaged can also lead to overheating and fires.
Use of inferior or counterfeit LED products can also lead to malfunctions and fires involving defective LED bulbs.
