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Glen Ellyn box alarm June 27, 2011
It was just after 4:40 AM on the morning of June 27th when the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department in MABAS Division 12 received an urgent call from a homeowner on Dawes Avenue. The caller reported that their house was engulfed in flames, and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
When I arrived shortly after the first fire trucks, the situation was already intense. Heavy smoke billowed out of the front door, and the once peaceful home was now a scene of chaos. As I walked around the property, it became clear that the fire had started in the rear, near a cooking pit where a propane tank had been used earlier. Unfortunately, all three tanks exploded, fueling the rapid spread of the blaze.
The family managed to evacuate safely through the lower-level rear double doors, avoiding any injuries. Firefighters quickly assessed the situation and began battling the inferno with two-and-a-half-inch hand lines. Despite the initial success in knocking down much of the fire, the task ahead remained daunting. The water supply was limited due to the area's four-inch water mains, forcing firefighters to carefully manage their resources.
From my vantage point at the 'B-C' corner, I could see how extensive the damage had become. The basement and first floor rear were completely consumed by flames, and the rear of the house was fully involved. The intensity of the fire was evident as it spread upward, taking hold of the roof and attic area. As the morning progressed, both the roof and second floor tragically collapsed, adding further challenges to the firefighting efforts.
By sunrise, the fire was largely under control, though embers continued to smolder in the attic and roof. Firefighters worked diligently to ensure no hotspots remained, using the tower ladder to reach the upper levels. The coordination and effort put forth by the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department were commendable, given the limited water supply and the scale of the destruction.
As the sun rose higher, the full extent of the damage became apparent. The once beautiful home was now a charred shell, its structure severely compromised. The family’s quick thinking in evacuating likely saved lives, and the community will undoubtedly rally to support them in rebuilding.
Reflecting on the incident, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly a small spark can escalate into disaster. For firefighters, every call brings new challenges, and today’s response showcased their skill and dedication. As I left the scene, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for their hard work and hope for the family’s swift recovery.