Housing being secured for residents displaced by Carpentersville apartment fire

A temporary shelter set up to house residents displaced by Saturday’s Carpentersville apartment fire could close by the end of the week as more permanent housing is secured, officials said.

Carpentersville’s public works building has served as a temporary shelter for those affected by the fire. Many residents were able to stay with family or friends immediately after the fire, but the village offered the shelter for those who did not have a place to stay.

As of Monday night, five residents were at the shelter as officials from the American Red Cross continued to work to find housing for those affected by the blaze.

“We’re hopeful that by tomorrow, everyone will have identified somewhere to go that isn’t just sheltering,” Carpentersville Village Manager Brad Stewart said Tuesday, adding the shelter will remain open until the American Red Cross closes its operations there.

The American Red Cross had scheduled a Tuesday afternoon intake meeting for all the apartment residents to review long-term assistance.

Meanwhile, the fire remains under investigation, but Stewart said it appears to have originated on the first floor of the three-story building along Meadowdale Court.

The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. When firefighters arrived on the scene, heavy fire could be seen from the southeast section of the building.

On Tuesday, Stewart noted the bulk of the fire damage was on the third level. But other areas of the apartment building sustained heavy water damage.

Damage to the building initially was estimated at $2 million, though Stewart suggested that number could increase as the building is assessed.

The village is asking residents who wish to help those affected by the fire to consider making monetary donations to the American Red Cross at redcross.org. If you make a monetary donation, please note that it’s for the residents affected by the fire.

Due to the amount of clothing donations already received, the village is asking residents not to donate more clothes.

Village officials were grateful for the support offered by area residents.

“It was an amazing outpouring of support from Carpentersville as well as the surrounding communities,” Stewart said. “It really was amazing just how much the community pulled together … I can’t express enough appreciation for them, the donations and the pure goodwill.”

Residents impacted by the fire can call (630) 981-1350 for assistance.