Buffalo Grove police and fire units were sent to 96 University Drive Saturday morning (9/9/17) just before 6:30 in the morning after reviewing reports from a passerby of smoke coming from the home. Police officers arrived first and began ringing the doorbell and banging on the doors in an attempt to wake the homeowners.
Larry Shapiro photo
Arlington Heights Engine 4 and Buffalo Grove Tower 25 arrived within minutes and stretched a line to the front door before making entry. Smoke was escaping from the second floor, and the first floor was heavily charged with smoke as well. Thick smoke then pushed from the front door as it was breached.
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
The alarm was upgraded to the Code 4 for the working fire and two additional ambulances were requested to the scene when it was reported that three occupants might be inside the house.
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Neighbors subsequently informed the police that the cars in the driveway did not belong to the homeowners and that a car that did belong to them was not present. Primary and secondary searches confirmed that the only inhabitants during the fire were two cats. Firefighters attempted to resuscitate the cats which did not survive.
Larry Shapiro photo
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