**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**June 20, 2023**
**Prospect Heights, IL**
This afternoon, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at approximately 12:37 p.m., the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District responded to reports of a fire at 1209 N. Elmhurst Road. Upon arriving at the scene, crews observed substantial smoke billowing from the rear of the building. Further assessment revealed flames and thick, black smoke emanating from both the roof and interior of the structure. The affected building is a strip mall containing 12 individual businesses. Smoke began seeping into neighboring stores, prompting immediate evacuations.
As firefighters entered the premises, they deployed multiple hose lines to combat the blaze. However, the fire quickly spread through the ceiling and roof space. To contain the flames, aerial ladder trucks utilized high-pressure water streams alongside ground-based hoses. Due to the fire's intensity and potential risk to nearby properties, the incident commander activated the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), summoning reinforcements from over a dozen surrounding fire departments. Their support proved crucial in managing the situation effectively.
Thankfully, no civilians sustained injuries during the incident. One firefighter did suffer minor injuries but received prompt medical attention. Fortunately, the adjacent apartment complex remained unthreatened throughout the event.
By roughly 1:37 p.m., the fire department successfully brought the fire under control after approximately one hour of active firefighting efforts. However, crews stayed on-site for more than three additional hours to thoroughly check for lingering hotspots and prevent reignition. All 12 businesses within the strip mall were forced to close temporarily due to structural damage and safety concerns.
The exact cause of the fire remains under official investigation. In light of today’s events, the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District urges everyone to prioritize fire safety measures. Ensure you have clear escape routes from your home or workplace, maintain functional smoke detectors, and establish an emergency response plan. Additionally, the district emphasized the critical role of fire sprinklers in saving lives and minimizing property damage. If this building had been equipped with such systems, the fire might have been either entirely extinguished or confined to its origin before reaching catastrophic levels.
For now, residents and business owners affected by the fire are encouraged to stay informed via local updates and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.
*Note: Video footage of the incident will be added shortly.*
camo car wrap,desert camouflage vinyl wrap,red camouflage vinyl wrap,camo truck wrap,black camo vinyl wrap,,camo vinyl wrap roll
Guangdong HANTAI Decoration Material CO., LTD , https://www.ldcvinyl.com