Chicago Blaze Highlights Importance of Fire Alarm Systems

A large blaze in Roger’s Park, Illinois, sent two people to nearby hospitals on Wednesday, January 30. According to sources, a 70-year-old woman and firefighter were transported to receive medical treatment after a fire broke out in a two-story building on North Greenview Avenue at approximately 5:10 a.m.

Just one hour after firefighters arrived at the apartment complex, the Chicago Fire Department commanded all people within to evacuate due to the presence of unstable floors, revealed Fire Media Affairs. The blaze broke out in the basement, first and second floors of the building.

The fire took about two hours to extinguish. The elderly woman was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston after she told rescue crews that she was suffering from shortness of breath. The firefighter was taken to the same hospital and treated for minor injuries. It is unclear whether both victims have been released or doctors are still administering in-patient treatment.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The National Fire Protection Agency reports that every year, upwards of 3,500 Americans die in fires and around 18,300 are injured. The majority of those blazes occur in the home.

One of the most effective ways to prevent a fire is to make sure that you and your family are prepared by installing fire alarm systems. That means having a working fire alarm and fire extinguisher in your home. If you don’t, you may want to contact a reputable company in your area to have one installed. A knowledgeable representative can speak with you about fire safety and the importance of having a system that will alert you the minute a spark in your residence is detected. Don’t wait another minute, doing so could put you and your family’s life in jeopardy.