John Tulipano photo

John Tulipano photo

John Tulipano photo

John Tulipano photo

John Tulipano photo

Lisle-Woodridge FPD press release

Structure Fire, 13-16 Bittersweet Court, Woodridge
November 11, 2013

At 12:42 P.M. on Monday, November 11, 2013, the Lisle Woodridge Fire District was notified by way of a 9-1-1 call from a resident reporting a two story 4-unit multi-family home on fire at 13 – 16 Bittersweet, Woodridge. The first unit arrived on scene and reported heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear side of the structure.

A General Alarm was dispatched at 12:44 P.M. and upgraded to a Box Alarm, sending four (4) engines, two (2) ladder trucks, two (2) medic units, and a Command Team to the scene, providing nearly twenty five (25) Lisle-Woodridge Fire District personnel. In addition, resources were also provided from several surrounding fire departments and fire districts.

The first arriving crews on the scene stretched multiple hose-lines and began extinguishment of the fire while additional personnel set up the two responding truck companies to provide ventilation. The other companies strategically placed ladders around the building, assisted with hose lines and performed search and rescue for occupants inside the homes. There were two people home at the time of the fire; they exited safely from the building.

The majority of the fire was under control approximately forty (40) minutes after the Fire District’s arrival; however due to a gas leak, the fire continued to burn until crews could coordinate an effort to secure the leak and suppress the remainder of the fire. Several Emergency Units remained on the scene until approximately 5:30 P.M. performing salvage duties and overhauling the burned areas of the structure. Power was turned off to the building and all of the units were determined to be uninhabitable.

Other departments provided coverage at Lisle-Woodridge Fire District stations that were vacated to fight the fire. There were no civilian injuries however there were two minor injuries to firefighters during this incident.

The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District fire investigation team is investigating the cause of the fire. No further information is available at the time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. If you have further questions, please contact Bureau Chief Jim French at (630) 353-3030.