An early-morning RV fire in north suburban Des Plaines left one person dead Sunday, authorities said. Crews arrived after receiving a report that a recreational vehicle was on fire and, after putting out the flames, found a person inside. Officials have not yet identified the victim as investigators work to notify next of kin and determine what sparked the blaze.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, officers and firefighters responded to the 2600 block of Scott Street at about 6:45 a.m., where they extinguished the fire and located the deceased inside the RV. The Des Plaines Police Department provided the initial information to media outlets, FOX 32 reported.
Investigators On The Scene
The Des Plaines Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s investigators and Des Plaines police are conducting a follow-up probe into the blaze, officials said. As reported by the Daily Herald, the identity of the deceased will be withheld pending next-of-kin notification.
RV Fires Rare, But Often Ruthless
Deadly RV fires are relatively uncommon, but when they do happen they can move fast and turn lethal if occupants cannot escape in time. Coverage of another fatal Des Plaines fire last June underscored how quickly a routine morning can unravel.
National data from the U.S. Fire Administration shows that, on average from 2018 to 2020, roughly 4,200 recreational-vehicle fires were reported each year in the United States, resulting in about 15 civilian deaths annually.
The City of Des Plaines extended condolences to those affected, according to local reporting by Patch, and investigators continue to examine the scene. Officials have not released further details, and this story will be updated as new information becomes available.
