Early Saturday morning, before 6 AM, the Schaumburg Fire Department received an automated fire alarm. Shortly after, multiple 9-1-1 calls poured in reporting visible smoke inside the building located at 1234 Valley Lake Drive. Engine 54 was the first responder on the scene and quickly connected to the standpipe system. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered residents gathered in the lobby and on the upper-floor balconies of the seven-story structure. As they reached the fire floor, they encountered thick smoke and had to identify the specific unit that was ablaze.
The 85-year-old woman living in the apartment where the fire originated sustained burns to her chest. She was initially transported to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates before being transferred to the burn unit at Loyola University Hospital due to the severity of her injuries.
Firefighters managed to deploy two lines and confine the flames to the apartment of origin. The emergency response escalated to a 2-11 alarm with a special request for four additional ambulances as a precautionary measure. Schaumburg firefighters successfully rescued several residents who had sought refuge on their balconies to escape the smoke.
Larry Shapiro arrived at the scene and captured several images documenting the intense firefighting efforts. Schaumburg Engine 52 arrived shortly after Engine 54 and positioned itself at the front driveway alongside Ambulance 52, Battalion 5, and Truck 52. Mutual aid support came from various neighboring departments, including trucks from Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, and Mount Prospect, while engines were dispatched from Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Palatine Rural, Buffalo Grove, Barrington, and Bloomingdale. Carol Stream sent their two-piece squad company, and ambulances were provided by Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Roselle, Bensenville, Wheeling, and Glenside. Chief officers were dispatched from Arlington Heights, Palatine Rural, and Itasca.
The fire caused significant damage to the fourth floor, particularly around the injured woman's apartment, which was the source of the blaze. Located in her bedroom, the fire primarily affected her unit but also caused enough damage to the fourth floor that its 15 apartments were rendered uninhabitable. Residents affected by the fire were being assisted with temporary housing by the Red Cross.
As the firefight progressed, Schaumburg firefighters continued to work diligently. Engine 51’s officer returned a high-rise pack to the engine, while Schaumburg Truck 52’s crew checked their gear after exiting the building. Mutual aid companies were staged along Valley Lake Drive, ready to assist if needed.
Chicago Tribune covered the incident, providing further details about the victim's condition and the extent of the damage. One of the photos captured by Larry Shapiro shows Schaumburg firefighters bringing additional equipment into the building, highlighting their coordinated efforts amidst the chaos.
For those interested in the radio traffic, Radioman911.com offers recordings of the dispatch and fireground communications, divided into two parts. Additionally, the St. Charles Feed provides another set of recordings focusing solely on the dispatch and fireground activities, also split into two segments.
As the situation unfolded, Schaumburg firefighters remained committed to ensuring everyone's safety and minimizing property damage. Their swift action undoubtedly played a crucial role in containing the fire and preventing further casualties.
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