Coroner searching dental records to ID Wheaton fire victim

Officials said they are still working to identify the victim of a fatal fire that happened early Saturday morning on the 1700 block of 22nd Street in Wheaton.

Wheaton firefighters responded to a call about flames inside the two-story apartment building on 22nd Street at approximately 1:10 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, authorities said, fire crews saw smoke exiting the building and then discovered a small fire in a lower-level apartment.

Firefighters brought the flames under control within minutes and helped several occupants exit the seven-unit building, officials said. But they also discovered a male victim who was unable to escape and now the DuPage County Coroner's office is working to identify him through dental records, authorities said. Wheaton police added the man is believed to be in his 20s.

In addition, officials said two people were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. All other residents now are working with apartment complex representatives to return to their respective living units.

The cause of the fire and damage estimates are unknown and are being investigated by the Wheaton Police Department, the Wheaton Fire Department, and the Dupage Fire Investigation Task Force.

Wheaton firefighters were assisted on the scene by crews from several fire departments from neighboring communities.