Massive Fire Rips Through Six Businesses, Causes Half Million In Damages In Roselle

ROSELLE, IL — Early Monday morning, a fire ripped through six businesses in Roselle, causing an estimated $500,000 in damages. The Roselle Fire and Police Departments arrived at the scene at 747 Plum Grove shortly after 1 a.m. Several neighboring fire departments arrived for backup and more than 50 firefighters battled the blaze for close three hours before extinguishing the flames.

According to the Roselle Fire Department, the first crews to arrive found the entrance to Pop's Pizza engulfed in flames. The fire quickly extended to Ace Hardware and four other businesses in the complex. Fire crews from Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Elk Grove Village, Itasca and Carol Stream were first called in for backup. As the fire intensified, crews from Streamwood, Bartlett and Arlington Heights arrived to help fight the flames.

A release from the Roselle Fire Department said that the fire was difficult to extinguish because the most intense flames tore through the center's facade for a stretch of close to 100 feet. Fire crews fought throuh heavy smoke and flames, employing four large handline hoses and several aerial ladder fire trucks. After an hour, the bulk of the blaze was put out, but fire officials continued to extinguish hidden fires for two more hours.

The Roselle Fire Department believes the fire broke out near the Pop's Pizza sign, but the incident is still under investigation. The six affected businesses are expected to be closed indefinitely.

>>Images provided by Roselle Fire Department