Man, 64, Severely Burned Attempting To Extinguish Townhome Fire: FD

AURORA, IL — A 64-year-old man suffered severe burns after attempting to extinguish a fire that erupted in a two-story, six-unit townhouse complex in the 900 block of Asbury Drive around 6 p.m. June 30, according to officials from the Aurora Fire Department.

When crews arrived at the complex, they found heavy fire showing from the second floor of the middle unit. When they entered the building, they found and rescued the man who was burned, transferring him to a paramedic unit where he was treated and brought in critical condition to a local hospital. Officials said he was subsequently airlifted to a Level 1 trauma and burn center.

After requesting additional support to locate other possible victims, Engine Company firefighters worked to extinguish the fire while Truck Company firefighters searched for victims but found none. No firefighters or additional civilians were injured, officials said.

As of Tuesday, Battalion Chief Jim Rhodes told Patch the fire remains under investigation.

The unit where the fire started, as well as adjacent units, were deemed uninhabitable after sustaining smoke and water damage, officials said. A total of four adults and two children were displaced as a result of the fire. Officials said they did not require help from Victim Services or American Red Cross.

"A takeaway from this incident is if you have a fire in your home, immediately call 911 before attempting to extinguish it," officials said in a news release. "A fire extinguisher should be located on every level of the house, and it must be understood how to use it."

Officials explained when using a fire extinguisher, the user should always have their back toward an exit and if the fire can't be put out "within a few seconds," the person should exit the building "immediately."