In recent reports from the dailyherald.com, Prospect Heights Fire Chief Drew Smith has highlighted a concerning trend involving fires in older apartment complexes throughout the suburbs. These incidents often share a striking similarity in their architectural design, specifically the mansard-style roofs that were once a hallmark of mid-century construction. The fire that broke out on Monday night at the Orion Parkview Apartments in Mount Prospect displaced around 100 residents and bore a resemblance to a 2018 blaze at the River Trails Condominiums. That earlier fire caused extensive damage, destroying 24 units and severely affecting 72 others.
Chief Smith noted that these fires, along with several others in the region since 2018, have been exacerbated by the unique challenges posed by mansard roofs. Originally favored by builders in the 1960s and '70s for their ability to create extra living space, these roofs now pose significant obstacles for firefighters. Once a fire ignites, the roof's design can shield flames from direct exposure to water, delaying effective firefighting efforts until it's too late.
"Unfortunately, the reality is that until the fire burns through the roof, the water can't get on the fire," Smith explained. This delay in response has been evident in other notable fires, such as those at the Windhaven condominiums in Palatine in 2023, the Puente Del Pueblo apartments in West Chicago last year, and the Bristol Court condominium complex in Park Ridge in 2022. Each of these incidents left dozens of families displaced or facing significant property damage.
The fire at Orion Parkview Apartments began in the building's cockloft, where the intense heat prevented firefighters from attempting an offensive strategy from within. Instead, they had to switch to a defensive approach from the exterior. Unlike the lower floors, the attic lacked sprinkler systems, and the mansard roof hindered water access to the spreading flames.
Named after the 17th-century French architect François Mansart, this roof style became popular in French architecture but later lost favor in the U.S. after the 1970s. However, many suburban buildings still feature these roofs, presenting ongoing challenges for modern firefighting practices. In a 2006 report for Fire Engineering, Smith detailed how fires can spread unchecked within the roof structure, noting the lack of fire stops between sections.
While sprinklers remain the most effective solution, retrofitting existing buildings with such systems proves both challenging and expensive. As developers continue to construct newer buildings, addressing these vulnerabilities becomes increasingly urgent to prevent future tragedies.
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