Resident Jumps From 2nd Story Into Firefighter’s Arms To Escape Burning House: AFD

AURORA, IL — Multiple people were rescued from a house in the 200 block of Prairie Street that caught fire Jan. 17, the Aurora Fire Department said.

Twenty-six personnel responded at 8:29 a.m. to the 2.5-story house after multiple 911 callers reported multiple people were trapped inside the burning home.

Smoke was showing from the house when firefighters arrived, and flames were visible from the basement, officials said.

One resident jumped from a second-floor window into the waiting arms of a firefighter before ladders could be placed, while crews rescued another person using a ground ladder on the side of the house. The remaining residents safely evacuated, according to a news release.

Two people and one police officer were hospitalized with minor injuries. The home sustained significant damage and was declared uninhabitable as a result of the fire.

Members of Aurora’s Emergency Management Agency helped with traffic control due to icy conditions caused by the firefighting efforts, officials said. Firefighters remained at the house “for an extended period” to ventilate the structure and help residents recover belongings.

Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“This was a fast-moving fire that could have ended much differently,” Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. “Thanks to the quick actions of police officers and firefighters on scene, everyone made it out safely. As winter fires continue to rise, this is a good reminder to check smoke alarms, have an escape plan, and stay alert to fire risks in the home.”