Des Plaines firefighters were called to 539 Westmere Road around 12:20PM on Friday (1/26/18) for reports of fire in an attached garage. The initial call was followed by multiple 9-1-1 calls. Engine 63 arrived first and reported heavy fire from the attached garage that spread into the second floor of the split-level house. Strong winds blew smoke across the street obscuring visibility on the street.
The fire was too intense to make entry so an exterior line was used with foam to make an initial attack and Tower Ladder 63 was setup to the roof for ventilation. Four lines were used and the fire was knocked down within 20 minutes. All three Des Plaines engines, both towers, the three ambulances, plus the battalion chief and 6100 were at the scene. Additional companies were Mount Prospect Engine 12, Tower 13, and Battalion 3, plus Elk Grove Township Ambulance 11.
Thanks to Nick Marcinkowski for these photos.