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The Wheeling Fire Department responded to a serious fire at a four-unit townhouse on Ottawa Court in the Tahoe Village complex shortly before 11 PM. Initially, callers reported a fire along the exterior wall of the building, but upon arrival, officers corrected the address to 573 Custer Court. As units approached, the incident was upgraded to a Code 4 working fire due to the severity of the reports coming in. When first responders arrived, they found heavy flames engulfing the exterior wall, with fire spreading to the first and second floors as well as the attic. From miles away, mutual aid units could see the fire burning against the dark sky.
A large number of residents were already out of the building when the fire department arrived, allowing crews to focus on suppressing the blaze. However, there was an immediate concern about establishing a permanent water supply, leading to an upgrade to a MABAS Box Alarm and then a second alarm. Due to the intensity of the fire, companies were initially unable to enter the unit. 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 treatment on the scene.
Firefighters used tank water to knock down the exterior fire before a reliable water source could be established. The fire remained confined to the end unit, with only minor smoke and drywall damage affecting the adjacent unit. It is believed that the fire started when a homeowner was using a smoker near the exterior wall, which may have been too close to the structure.
Mutual aid was provided by departments from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Long Grove for the Code 4 alarm. The Box Alarm brought additional resources from Rolling Meadows, Des Plaines, Prospect Heights, North Maine, Glenview, Northbrook, and Elk Grove Township. A second alarm brought units from Morton Grove, Niles, Lake Zurich, Palatine, Deerfield, and Northfield.
Firefighters worked extensively on the exterior, focusing on the area where the fire originated. A gas grille and smoker were stored near the point of origin, and it's suspected that the smoker was placed too close to the structure. Overhaul efforts continued as crews worked to ensure the fire was fully under control.
Larry Shapiro and Tim Olk both covered the incident. Larry captured several images and has a full gallery available here. Tim also documented the event and has his own collection available here.