At 2:35 on Friday, October 10 Prospect Heights firefighters were dispatched to 1425 Quaker Lane for a report of a townhouse on fire. Three engines, an aerial ladder truck, an ambulance, and the battalion chief initially responded. As the first fire engine arrived significant smoke was visible indicating a significant fire. The battalion chief arrived and requested additional assistance. A fourth engine, a second aerial truck and second ambulance as well as a squad and several chief officers then responded.
The fire was located in a wall that separates two units and quickly moved into the attic spreading rapidly. Given the numerous structures within the complex and the rapidly increasing volume of fire there was concern the fire could spread to other buildings. With all available firefighters being assigned tasks a MABAS Box Alarm was requested brings three additional engine, a third aerial truck, squad and ambulance as well as additional chiefs and a rapid intervention team (a group of firefighter dedicated to rescuing any firefighters who become trapped).

A total of 8 engine, four aerial trucks, three squads, and three ambulances with approximately 65 firefighters fought the blaze for about one hour followed by 90 minutes of overhaul, the act of ensuring that indeed the fire is out and will not rekindle. Firefighters and chiefs from Wheeling, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Long Grove, Deerfield-Bannockburn, Northfield, North Maine, Niles, Des Plaines, Palatine, and Elk Grove Township responded to the scene. A Rolling Meadows ambulance and a Glencoe engine stood by in the Prospect Heights fire station and handled a second emergency call that occurred while this fire was being extinguished. MESS Canteen (Metropolitan Emergency Support Services) also responded and assisted for which the PHFD is grateful.

While fire damage was limited to one townhouse and the common attic, water and smoke damage affected the other three units in the building displacing the residents of all four homes for some time. Extensive repairs will be required. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Additional photos at http://olkee.smugmug.com/Mabas-Division3-Red-Center/Prospect-Heights-Fire-Dept/Prospect-Heighre/44893877_SnRmVT#!i=3603034615&k=hf6FQnJ