Firefighters arrived to find a severe blaze engulfing the exterior of a townhouse, with flames spreading into the first and second floors as well as the attic. Larry Shapiro photo The Wheeling Fire Department responded to multiple calls around 10:45 PM on May 19th for a fire at a four-unit townhouse in the Tahoe Village complex. Initially reported on Ottawa Court, the address was later corrected to 573 Custer Court. As the dispatch center received more reports, the incident was upgraded to a Code 4 working fire before the first units even arrived. When crews reached the scene, they found heavy flames consuming the exterior wall, with fire already extending into the first and second floors and the attic. Firefighters from neighboring areas could see the intense fire against the night sky from miles away. Before a water supply could be established, firefighters used tank water to control the fire on the building’s exterior. Larry Shapiro photo All residents had safely evacuated before the fire department arrived. However, there was an immediate concern about the availability of a reliable water source, prompting the alarm to be upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm and then to a second alarm. Firefighters initially struggled to enter the unit due to the intensity of the flames. Later, a firefighter on the second floor called for help after sustaining a knee injury but managed to exit the building on his own and declined medical attention at the scene. Firefighters used a hand line to tackle the fire on the exterior of the 'C' Sector. Larry Shapiro photo Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the end unit, with only minor smoke and drywall damage in the adjacent unit. It appears that the fire may have started when a homeowner was using a smoker near the exterior wall, which is believed to be the cause of the incident. The fire had taken hold of the attic, but it was brought under control before it could spread further. Larry Shapiro photo Mutual aid came from several nearby departments, including Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Long Grove for the Code 4 alarm. The Box Alarm brought additional units from Rolling Meadows, Des Plaines, Prospect Heights, North Maine, Glenview, Northbrook, and Elk Grove Township. A second alarm brought companies from Morton Grove, Niles, Lake Zurich, Palatine, Deerfield, and Northfield. Firefighters conducted overhaul on the exterior near the fire’s origin. A gas grill and smoker were stored in this area, and the smoker was reportedly placed too close to the structure. Larry Shapiro photo Larry Shapiro and Tim Olk both captured the event. Larry provided several photos, and you can view his full gallery here. Tim also has a collection available here. Waste Paper Baler,Precision Waste Paper Baler,Waste Paper Baler For Industrial,Automatic Feeding Waste Baler Jiangyin Hangli Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.hanglimachinery.com