Alarm Time: 17:03 pm, Alarm Date: December 22, 2024
Type of Incident: Structure Fire, Incident Location: 1024 West Hillcrest Dr. DeKalb
Amount of Damage: $1,000,000, Fire Origin: Interior
Fire Cause: Under Investigation
DeKalb Fire Units: Battalion 1; Engines 1, 2, and 3, Car 5; Medic 1, 3, Chiefs 1, 2, & 3. Truck 1, and Rescue 1.
Assisting Agencies: DeKalb City Dispatch, Police, Building & Code, Water, & Street Departments. DeKalb County Dispatch, Chiefs from Sycamore Battalion 1, Elburn, Genoa-Kingston, & Hampshire, Fire Engines from Sycamore, Genoa Kingston, Maple Park, Elburn, Malta, Waterman, Kirkland, Kaneville, Ogle-Lee, and Steward. Ladder Trucks from Hampshire, Geneva, & Aurora. Squad from Sandwich, Ambulances from Cortland, Genoa Kingston, Burlington, Sugar Grove, & Somonauk. Huskie Bus. Red Cross, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Family Service Agency, NiCor, Commonwealth Edison, and the State Fire Marshalls Fire Investigation Division.
Time from arrival until under control: 2 Hours
Time from arrival until all unit’s in-service: 6.5 Hours
Firefighter injuries: 0
Civilian injuries: 0
While on 2 separate ambulance calls with Engine 1 assisting Medic 1, and Engine 3 assisting Medic 3, the DeKalb Fire Department was dispatched to 1024 W. Hillcrest for reported smoke in the building. Engine 3 was able to break away to respond to the fire alarm and upon arrival reported a 3-story building with smoke showing, evacuation in progress, and stated they had a working fire. Battalion 1 arrived on scene, initiated command, and upgraded the alarm response. Engines 1, & 2 arrived and were ordered to join Engine 3 for an aggressive interior fire attack and a primary search for victims. Crews reported all-clear on 2 floors. Engine 3 reported that the fire was well advanced and was into the attic space. The engine companies reported heavy smoke on all three floors and high heat on the top floor with zero visibility. Command then upgraded the alarm to the General level. Rapidly changing conditions were witnessed by command and all units were ordered to evacuate the building. Heavy fire began to show from the rear of the building. All companies were accounted for, and an exterior fire fight began. The fire began to extend to the adjoined building, 934 Greenbrier. Incident Command requested a MABAS box alarm to the 2nd level. Three ladder trucks, multiple master streams and handlines were used until the fire was declared under control. Dekalb companies remained on scene for extended periods to check for hot spots. Utilities to all 3 sections of the building were turned off and secured. City officials continue to work with management and the Red Cross to assist displaced occupants. The fire was under control in approximately 2 hours. No Civilian or Firefighter injuries were reported. 1024 West Hillcrest was condemned due to fire, smoke and water damage, 930 and 934 West Hillcrest Dr. are posted uninhabitable until the city and utility companies determine they are safe. At the time of this press release we estimate 60 residents will be displaced.
DeKalb recalled personnel and mutual-aid companies responded to 2 emergency calls during this event.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Family Service Agency of DeKalb is accepting donations for those affected by the fire. The agency is accepting monetary donations and gift cards (for clothing, restaurants, grocery stores, transportation, etc.). Please note: Physical donations of food, clothing, furniture, or housewares are not being accepted. To coordinate a donation, contact Rylie Loucks-Kues, Director of Community Programming and Outreach, at rlouckskues@fsadekalbcounty.org or 815-758-8616 x1200.
Thank you to FSA and DeKalb Township for arraigning assistance for these residents and the community for its generosity.