A fire on Tuesday evening has left several residents without homes at an Arlington Heights apartment complex. Flames were reported to have been shooting out from the building's roof at the complex, located at the 2300 block of West Nichols Road in an unincorporated section of the suburb. ABC7 Chicago reports that at least three individuals have been hospitalized and many more displaced as a result of the incident.
The Long Grove Fire Protection District was called to the scene shortly after the fire broke out around 6 p.m., with the first crews arriving just before 7 p.m., as WGN-TV noted. Within 40 minutes of their arrival, firefighters had managed to bring the fire under control. Despite their efforts, the blaze had time to do serious damage to parts of the building, including tearing through the roof in some areas.
Tatiana Moore, a resident of the complex, was preparing dinner when the flames quickly engulfed her stove, and soon, her home. "I tried to get the extinguisher and I was calling the ambulance and trying to knock on the neighbors doors to get them out so they could get out. It just spiraled out of control," Moore told ABC7 Chicago. Charlie Sullivan, the building manager, recounted the panic as he heard screams and saw nothing but black smoke upon exiting his apartment.
Authorities have yet to publicly identify the fire's cause, as fire investigators are expected to thoroughly examine the scene. With many residents left to reckon with the loss of their homes, the American Red Cross is already assisting between 15 to 20 individuals with shelter arrangements. "I have to start over. Myself and my kids," Moore said in a statement obtained by ABC7 Chicago, expressing the harsh reality faced by many in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
First responders from nearby towns were mobilized to assist the Long Grove Fire Protection District, as WGN-TV coverage showed crews working tirelessly to contain the flames. The emergency responders dealt with the crisis amidst bitterly cold temperatures, highlighting the additional challenges faced during winter emergencies.
