22 Condos 'Uninhabitable' Following Fire In Palatine: Chief

PALATINE, IL — Residents of at least 22 units in a condominium complex are looking for new places to live following a Sunday night fire that took more than three hours to put out. According to the Palatine Fire Department, 60 firefighters from multiple area units responded to the fire.

No residents or firefighters were injured in the blaze. Eight engines, three ladder trucks and nine ambulances responded to the fire, along with nine command officers. An investigation into the origin of the fire is ongoing. Financial damage estimates are not known at this time.

Palatine firefighters arrived on the scene of the working fire at around 5:17 p.m. following reports of smoke and fire coming out of the roof of the three-story Windhaven Condominium Complex, East Dundee Quarter. Initial fire crews deployed a hose line to the third floor and began an aggressive interior attack on the fire, while other crews pulled down the ceiling to expose the fire above them in the attic space, according to officials. Additional crews searched the building to confirm that there were no trapped residents.

As the wind-driven fire progressed, it spread across the shared attic space from 12A into the adjoining attic space of 12B Dundee Quarter. Hose lines were deployed into 12B in an attempt to extinguish the advancing fire while other fire crews searched for possible victims.

The fire was upgraded to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System alarm at around 5:47 p.m., which brought firefighters and emergency medical crews from surrounding agencies. At that time, fire conditions worsened and a partial roof collapse separated the fire crews, resulting in a "Mayday" call. Officials said firefighters on the scene rapidly deployed a portable ground ladder to a firefighter on a third-floor balcony. The firefighter safely exited the balcony and the "Mayday" was canceled.

The fire was declared under control at around 8:37 p.m. and fire department crews remained on the scene until 6 a.m. Monday morning to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. The 22 residential units were damaged by fire, smoke, and water and are uninhabitable at this time. The Palatine Police Department and the Red Cross were on the scene to assist displaced residents in finding temporary shelter. The Salvation Army provided food, beverages, and warming kits for the firefighters

The Palatine Fire Department is reminding residents to have working smoke detectors in their homes, whether a single-family dwelling, an apartment, or a condo. The department is also suggesting residents have an escape plan, practice it, and be prepared to use it in the event of any fire. In an emergency, do not delay exiting the home to search for pets or any other belongings.