A Park Ridge family's Thanksgiving began with tragedy as a fire engulfed their two-story home early Thursday morning, but relief followed as it was later confirmed that no one was inside at the time, authorities said.
The Park Ridge Fire Department was alerted to the blaze near Gillick Street and South Fairview Avenue shortly after 8 a.m. Responding to multiple reports of trapped victims, crews initiated a strenuous search while simultaneously battling the spreading flames. Speaking to WGN-TV, Fire Chief Jeff Sorensen described the scene, "It was extensive. There was, you know, fire on multiple levels of the house. So it is, there’s extensive damage to the home. It’s certainly not habitable." Despite the stressful conditions, the search yielded no victims as the house was found to be empty.
As the operation continued, nearby fire departments were drawn into the fray to assist the overwhelmed Park Ridge team. "This eventually went to a box alarm, which brings yet more additional communities, so you are looking at probably 12 to 15 communities that responded to help us neighboring fire departments," explained Sorensen in his statement to WGN-TV. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among civilians or fire personnel, a fact underscored by the finding of functioning smoke alarms within the residence.
Within hours of the incident, a GoFundMe fundraiser was set up to support the affected family, neighbor Jordan Yassinger voiced his concern to CBS News Chicago, saying, "I could smell the smoke, then I heard the sirens, and I said, 'Ah, something's not right,' and went to the gas station and saw all the police cars blocking off the streets, and it's just so sad Thanksgiving to have this happen."
The cause of the fire remains undetermined as of now, and an investigation by local authorities is currently underway. Details will be updated as the investigation proceeds.
