Major fires hit house, apartment complex in Lisle

In nearly two decades with the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, Bureau Chief Jim French says he can't remember anything quite like it.

In the span of about seven hours Tuesday morning, firefighters from his department battled a pair of major blazes - one that destroyed a house and the other that damaged an apartment complex.

Combined, the fires resulted in one resident being treated for smoke inhalation, the displacement of more than a dozen families and the death of a family dog.

"In 20 years I don't know that (two major fires in one day) has ever happened before," French said.

The first fire was reported at 1:54 a.m. in a house at 4727 Yender in Lisle. The initial units arrived about five minutes later and reported heavy smoke and fire.

The family dog was killed and one resident was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but refused to be taken to the hospital, French said.

Damage estimates weren't available Tuesday, French said, but the house was declared uninhabitable by the village and appears to be a complete loss.

The cause of the blaze still is under investigation.

Hours later, at 8:43 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire at Lakeside Apartments, 4610 Lake Trail, Lisle. The first units arrived five minutes later and reported heavy smoke showing from the second floor and roof.

A second alarm was sounded a short time later bringing about 80 firefighters to the scene.

Firefighters rescued one resident and several others escaped on their own. No injuries were reported.

French said the cause of the blaze is under investigation, but authorities believe it may have started accidentally as the result of plumbing work at the building the day before.

Damage is estimated at $200,000, he said, and families from 16 apartments were moved to other units in the complex.