Briefs: Cause of fire suspicious

Authorities still are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out Friday in Bensenville, but the circumstances appear suspicious, Bensenville Fire Protection District Chief Mike Spain said Monday. The fire began around 7:30 p.m. Friday at a home at 51 Pamela Drive. No one was injured. Authorities said they believe it started in the bedroom but did not have any further information. The fire was extinguished quickly but investigators remained at the scene for a few hours. Damage was estimated at $15,000.

Christmas tree collection

Due to New Year's Day, garbage pickup in Roselle will change to Thursday. Allied Waste will also be collecting Christmas trees in Roselle at no additional charge. Residents can place their tree at the curb next to their garbage Thursday and Jan. 9. All ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands must be removed. For details, call Allied Waste at (847) 429.7370.

Environmental heroes

Shari Walsh and Alyssa Fliege, both of Lombard, received the 2007 Illinois Environmental Hero award from Lt. Governor Pat Quinn last week. The two lobbied the General Assembly to pass the Dam Safety Initiative, which authorizes the state to place safety warning signs at dams and waterways in Illinois. After Fliege lost her father in a dam accident in 2006, Fliege and her mom, Walsh, have become advocates for dam safety. The environmental award was given to 21 others in Illinois.

Tree and wreath collection

Flood Bros. Disposal will be collecting decorative holiday greenery including trees, wreaths and boughs from Wednesday to Jan. 18 free of charge in Carol Stream. A yard waste sticker is not required. Residents who place their tree or holiday greenery at the curb for collection after Jan. 18 may be charged a $1.80 bulk pickup fee.