THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008
Firefighters Battle Palatine Condo Blaze
Palatine firefighters reported "significant" fire and water damage to two third floor units in the Beacon Cove condominiums complex after battling a blaze there on Monday.
Other units in the building suffered varying levels of damage from water and firefighing activities.
According to fire officals, the first units arrived on the scene shortly before 1 p.m. Monday, Mar. 24, and reported flames and heavy smoke coming from the roof of the 3-story, 12-unit building at 1327-1319 N. Winslowe Drive.
Officials said due to the amount of fire initially seen and potential for fire spreading in the wood-frame building, the incident commander called for a box alarm through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).
The first-arriving engine crew stretched a hose line to the third floor to attack the fire while additional crews opened ceilings and walls in the third floor units to expose the fire for the attack.
Palatine Police assisted in evacuating the affected and adjoining buildings. Other fire crews searched remaining units for occupants and fire extension, and stretched additional hose lines to back up the attack crew.
Other crews conducted salvage, emergency medical and rapid intervention operations.
The fire was controlled within 20 minutes of the fire dept.'s arrival.
All 12 units have been initially ruled untenable. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters, and several pets were removed or protected.
The Arlington Heights Fire Dept. responded as part of an automatic mutual aid agreement, and additional assistance was received on the scene from the Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Palatine Rural, Mt. Prospect and Schaumburg fire departments in the box alarm.
Damage estimates are unavailable as of Wednesday, however, the fire remains under investigation by Palatine Fire Dept. investigators.
The Fire Dept. reminds residents that if they notice a fire in their dwelling, get out immediately and stay out. Do not re-enter to try to save belongings or pets.