Glen Ellyn family plans to rebuild after fire destroys house
Next to the pile of charred wreckage at the corner of Dawes and Parkside avenues in Glen Ellyn is a basketball hoop and an American flag that flies from a nearby fence.
They're perhaps symbolic of the aura of this quiet neighborhood, where neighbors often gather for cookouts, kids spend summers riding their bikes from block to block, and a community gathers when someone's in need.
While crews worked to take down what remained of the Micklo family's home on Wednesday — the result of a fire there two days before — those who live nearby reached out to help the family of four. Family members say they hope to return to the neighborhood soon and rebuild their home on site.
“We don't (just) want to (move back) — we will,” said Kevin Micklo, 43, who ran downstairs to discover flames shortly after 4 a.m. Monday.
His wife Erin, 42, says she awoke to smoke detectors going off and smelled smoke. Along with daughter Maggie, 12, and son Emmett, 9, the whole family made it out safely.
Fire officials haven't determined a cause, though the blaze appeared to have started in the lower part of the house. Propane tanks on the back deck may have pushed the fire upward, which left the entire back of the house charred.
Since then, neighbor Debbie MacKerell has set up a fund at Chase Bank to help the family with expenses. Other neighbors who work for BP have arranged to have the company provide additional funds.
“We live in the best neighborhood,” said MacKerell, a 27-year resident of Glen Ellyn. “Everyone is there for each other. Everybody does something little and it turns into something big.”
Neighbor Dave Robinson added that the neighborhood is “like one big family.”
Kevin Krebs, another neighbor, said there's an extensive “social calendar” on Dawes Avenue, which is located east of the Village Links golf course. Block parties, barbecues and backyard parties are commonplace from Memorial Day through Halloween. And in the winter, the Micklos host a Christmas party.
It's little things, Krebs says, that make a town a community.
“You appreciate how much others step up for you in times of need,” he said.
Local children hosted a lemonade stand and bake sale Tuesday and Wednesday to support the family. Some held signs near Park Boulevard directing drivers to turn down Dawes. They've already raised $800.
The Micklos say their neighbors have been “amazing,” along with teachers from their children's schools and members of their church who have stopped by to bring not only money, but also food and clothing.
Though the family is staying with Erin's parents in Naperville for now, it's clear they want to return to Glen Ellyn permanently. Kevin and Erin Micklo say they plan to rent a house nearby while their new home is being built.
“We will rebuild,” Erin said. “We can't leave this neighborhood.”
How to help Micklo family
Micklo Family Fund
Chase Bank
Account number: 988491924
Online routing number: 071000013