Other bridal shops step up to help customers after Elmhurst fire
Elmhurst firefighters battled a blaze throughout the afternoon and late into the evening Thursday at the VIP Occasions bridal shop, where hot spots continued to flare up hours after the fire was considered extinguished.
Nobody was injured, officials said, in the fire that began producing flames through the roof and throughout the building at 351 N. York Road a little after 1:30 p.m. Firefighters carried a hose up a ladder to spray water directly into the hole in the roof, ABC 7 Chicago reported, but the fire kept flaring up again.
“When I first came the smoke was coming out of the front real strong,” neighbor Peggy Los told ABC 7.
“If you look now, there's flames inside, again,” said another neighbor, Cheryl Olson, as firefighters worked on the blaze.
The store's owners said the fire was finally extinguished by about 6 p.m. VIP Occasions has been owned by two sisters, Nicole Samardzija and Natalie Krstev, since 1991. They left a statement on the shop's Facebook page.
“VIP Occasions suffered a devastating fire,” it said. “No one was injured and West suburban fire depts. extinguished the flames in a few hours. Nicole and Natalie greatly appreciate our loyal costumers over the years. Every bride, bridesmaid, and gown costumer has been like extended family members to us. We are grateful and overwhelmed with everyone's support at this time. We hope to assist with current customers as we deal and move forward during this trying time. ... Rest assured no customer will be left behind.”
Two other suburban bridal shops have already come forward to offer assistance to brides who lost their dresses in Thursday's fire, ABC 7 reported.
Complete Bridal in East Dundee said anyone who lost a dress in the fire can get a replacement for free, excluding alterations, if she provides a receipt from VIP Occasions. Volle's Bridal Boutique in Lake Zurich said anyone who lost a dress in the fire can go to the Volle's website and fill out an appointment for help.
Kerry Dean of Volle's Bridal Boutique told ABC 7 his shop was destroyed in a fire in 1995 and other shops stepped in to help his customers, so he wants to return the favor. Complete Bridal has helped shops in distress in the past, too.
The Elmhurst History Museum said the building that houses VIP Occasions was built in 1932 and was a grocery store, ABC 7 reported. Over time, the museum said, it became a special-occasion dress shop once known as Clancy's and most recently known as VIP Occasions.
York Road was closed between Lake Street and North Avenue and several additional side streets were closed for hours while firefighters worked. They remained on the scene past 10 p.m.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this point, officials say, and an investigation will follow.