Lombard Fire Department Responds to Lexington Healthcare Fire, No Injuries

Upon arrival, Lombard firefighters responded to the activated fire alarm on the third floor of the three-story healthcare facility. When firefighters arrived on the third floor on the southeast side of the building, they encountered smoke in three rooms. The alarm was upgraded to a general alarm to bring in additional resources and crews. The shift commander noticed a plume of smoke coming from the southeast corner of the structure at the roof, according to Battalion Chief Ron Rakosnik.

Due to the amount of smoke, the entire third floor was evacuated. “We had 72 healthcare patients escorted out from the third floor and brought to the Lexington Square retirement home, which is a five-story building adjacent to the healthcare facility,” said Rakosnik. “The third floor housed patients who all needed some type of assistance so evacuation was our biggest obstacle to overcome,” Rakosnik added.

“Lexington Healthcare workers, responding fire agencies and police agencies all did an outstanding job in evacuating the patients,” according to Rakosnik. “It took us less than 30 minutes to get all third floor occupants evacuated,” he added.

“It was determined that the building was struck by lightning possibly a half hour prior to us getting the fire alarm,” pointed out Rakosnik. The fire damage was estimated at $20,000 with no injuries reported.

The Lombard Fire Department was assisted by Lisle/Woodridge Fire Protection District, York Center Fire Protection District, Oak Brook Fire Department and Downers Grove Fire Department. The Lombard Police Department, as well as Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove and Oakbrook Terrace police departments also assisted with traffic and evacuation.

Questions concerning the fire should be directed to Rakosnik, at (630) 620-5734.