Huntley Fire Department assists with a grill fire in Hampshire resulting in two hospitalizations

HAMPSHIRE — On July 24 at approximately 4:08 p.m., the Hampshire Fire Protection District was dispatched for a still alarm regarding an outside fire investigation for a grill that had caught on fire on the deck of a residence in the 800 block of Elm Street.

As fire personnel approached their destination, a large column of smoke could be seen from several blocks away. Following this observation, the alarm was immediately upgraded to a “General Alarm,” which alerted other fire departments that assistance was required.

According to the Hampshire Fire Protection District, once Engine 1411 arrived at the scene at approximately 4:11 p.m., heavy fire was observed from the rear of a two-story residential structure with the fire having extended to the attic.

A hose line was subsequently stretched to the rear of the structure and was put into operation.

“Just after arrival, we received reports that there was an occupant trapped in the structure. Firefighters immediately began a search of the second floor under heavy smoke conditions,” stated Hampshire Fire Protection Chief Trevor Herrmann. “Approximately five minutes into the search it was determined that both occupants had exited the building prior to our arrival and each had gone separate ways not knowing where the other was.”

One of the occupants who was suffering from smoke inhalation was transported to a hospital in Elgin, while the second occupant refused medical attention.

A Hampshire Police officer was also transported to an Elgin-area hospital due to having suffered from smoke inhalation as well.

Firefighters began to attack the interior fire with two hose lines after using an initial defensive operation. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control at approximately 4:45 p.m.

Herrmann stated that no firefighter injuries were reported. He added that the cause of the fire was a propane grill that had caught on fire on the back deck and managed to spread rapidly up the side of the home and into the attic space.

Fire damage is preliminary estimated at over $100,000 with heavy fire damage to the attic and the rear of the home.

While water and smoke damage was also reported throughout the rest of the home, firefighters were able to salvage several of the occupants’ belongings.

Fire departments from Pingree Grove, Burlington, Huntley, Genoa, Marengo, Fox River Grove, and Elburn all responded to the fire and assisted with suppressing it while also providing Emergency Management Services (EMS).

Sycamore and Maple Park Fire Departments covered the Hampshire Fire Protection District and responded to additional calls.

The Hampshire Police Department, the Kane County Office of Emergency Management, the Village of Hampshire Building Department (Safebuilt Inc.), 1-800 Board Up, NICOR Gas, and ComEd were the other agencies that assisted with the emergency.